I felt the same way as many of you did not too long ago. I loved zoos and aquariums when I was litte, but I often found myself questioning their usage and if they were justified. When I was 12, and incredibly determined to be a Marine Scientist (STILL am!) I visited the Mote Aquarium in Florida and talked to a very intelligent man who had a PhD in my dream field and what he said made alot of sense to me, which is probably the only reason I remember it.Aquariums and Zoos are generally there for educational purposes, breeding programs, wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, and general entertainment. He said, he didn't believe SeaWorld really was like this because he doesn't like to hear about animals being made to do tricks either - I mean where's the education in that? But I personally believe many Aquariums and Zoos are thrown down the drain with things like the circus, roadside zoos, and generally any aquarium [and zoo] that doesn't know how to take care of their animals.
If you want species to be saved, habitats to be preserved, myths of certain animals [such as sharks] squashed, and animals kept in their natural habitat then you have no choice but to educate the masses, continue scientific research, get people out to see these animals up close. I for one, think this is a good way to do that - GOOD zoos and aquariums. People will never understand the importance of species, habitat preservation - if they are not educated on the matter. What is sadder to you? Species being completely wiped-out or thrown out of their habitat or being in captivity and well taken care of? There is no doubt that zoos and aquariums have impacted wild animal #'s for the better. The panda recently released into the wild in China was born in captivity at the Washington DC National Zoo. They're given 2 pandas if they promise that when they breed them the babies are given back to China to continue to help the growing panda population. The Boston Aquarium takes injured baby turtles or baby turtles that have never made it to the ocean into their care where they are rehabilitated and put back into the wild. The Mote Aquarium does the same for baby whales and dolphins. They also capture birds caught in oil spills and clean the up and rehabilitate them - then release them. I think it's a fabulous thing what these Zoos are doing. Why should an animal be "left to die" and "let nature take it course" when it can be saved by people? No only does that diminish the population, but it is also hypocritical. That's like saying pets should be left to die if they can be saved...:/
This issue is based on morals - entirely, and it's not that I don't believe in animals roaming free in their natural habitat, because I really do. But I don't think good zoos and aquariums with these kinds of programs should be coupled with the several bad ones out there. I DON'T like the fact that the animals are made to do tricks either, because I don't feel it's at all educational. But parks like SeaWorld have uncovered countless things scientifically and I believe the programs in some zoos and aquariums can help save species, maybe they only have a small impact, but an impact is an impact. Don't forget here, that it is also man ruining the NATURAL habitats of these animals.
That's not to say all zoos and aquariums are well-maintained and beneficial to preserving wild animals, because they're certainly not. I hate Circuses, road-side zoos, and the like just as much as the next person. But for all the people who are against zoos and aquariums, you all have pets, is it NOT the same thing? I mean, indirectly, it is. And of course, there are - the rare instances in which a case like this comes up, and it really is sad all around the spectrum. It causes us to question the rights of keeping and animal in captivity, but I still stand by what I said before. There are pros and cons to this issue - but personally I think the pros outway the cons.
Just a few things to keep in mind.
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks