Captivity For The Better
Connor Strange
Staff Writer
Animal captivity is constantly under fire from armchair activists and PETA pretenders alike. However, it’s a necessary and positive thing, if looked upon with further clarity than it is by the common protester.
According to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), there were 319 species survival plans and 43 endangered species reintroduction programs in progress as of Dec. 2012, which shows quite obviously that captivity is necessary to avoid the extinction of endangered species.
We’ve been personally responsible for a few extinctions here and there, but with the efforts of wildlife reserves, numerous species have been brought back from the brink. The population of tigers worldwide was reduced by orders of magnitude due to poaching and habitat destruction over the last century. I’d say that it is a far better alternative to captivate the majestic creatures and allow them to come back from endangerment instead of allowing them to be poached in the wild.
Humanity’s role as protector on this planet, an elevated position above any other type of animal, begs an interesting question.
Do we have the right to do it? It may sound strange, but humans won the game of life on Earth long ago, and perhaps that gives us an excuse to do as we please. Of course there is a certain extent to which that right should be exercised, but I believe that showcasing exotic species to the masses falls under the acceptable.
Additionally, zoos are a fantastic way to educate and entertain children. I remember clearly the uncontrollable excitement of venturing to the Henry Doorly years ago. Never once did the experience diminish in value out of the many times I wandered through the tropical rainforest exhibits or looked on the gleaming scales of crocodiles drifting through deep water in the “Kingdoms of the Night” attraction.
If done right, a trip to the zoo makes for a memorable experience, regardless of age. Henry Doorly is one of the best examples in the country, granted, but many other menageries are just as captivating.
Zoos aren’t only beneficial for the spectators; AZA-approved establishments provide a much better standard of living to animals than even their natural habitats could. They never go hungry or find themselves wanting for entertainment.
To give some credit to those against zoos and the like, animal captivity can be conducted in a wildly immoral way. Many captive animals are treated in a rather abhorrent manner, which is unfortunate.
However, animal captivity is done well and ethically often enough to justify it. As the dominant species, we have a responsibility to regulate the lesser animals of Earth.
For Samm Sack’s point-counterpoint, click here.
