Should we abolish zoos?

The typical picture of an animal in a cage can be interpreted in two very different ways. Some people would claim that animals have rights and zoos do not respect this. However, other would say that zoos are a great source of revenue for our industry. The pros and cons of this debate will be weighed up in order to conclude this issue.

Firstly, animals have rights, and zoos deny them this. They have the basic right to be able to be in their natural habitat, where they can fend for themselves. By enclosing them in an inadequate sized cage is utterly immoral and cruel. The act of cruelty is abhorred in the eyes of society – then why are zoos overlooked just because of the revenue it creates. Yes, we understand that zoos create revenue but at the hands of animals rights, surely not?

In contrast, some people would argue that animals do not have rights. Humans as a superior being are allowed to use animals for our benefit. The benefit here is that zoos attract families, tourists and researchers. Due to this the zoo industry pockets huge amounts of profits. The end result of this chain is that our economy is benefited. We cannot ignore zoos contribute to the British economy.

However, that can be viewed as morally flawed by the opposition. If we really are the superior being then it doesn’t simply mean that “we can do whatever we want for our benefit”. It means that we have a responsibility and duty to treat animals humanely and try to prevent them from suffering. This coincides with the case of zoos. Zoos create severe boredom to these animals. It also glorifies cruelty to animals – and surely this isn’t the way we want to influence our upcoming generation. For example, cruelty in zoos is illustrated by the fact that bird’s wings are clipped and aquatic animals do not have enough space and water.

On the other hand, some people may also claim that zoos feed animals and provide them with water on a regular basis. They are given suitable and comfortable environments and medical treatment. Animal’s welfare is actually better in zoos where they have a better chance of survival.

Likewise, zoos do not teach cruelty but merely educates us about animals. It gives us a chance to observe animals from other countries – zoos give people a chance to see animals they may never see.

In conclusion, I believe that the pros do not outweigh the cons and zoos should not become prey to animal rights activists. Zoos are not ignorant to animal rights – zoos actually preserve this and at the same time generate revenue and educate the public.