A zoo is a place where animals live in captivity and are put in exhibits for others' entertainment. The modern zoo was created in the 18th century during the Age of Enlightenment when science, reason, and logic were the basis of society. In September 2016, according to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, 50 million families visited either an aquarium or zoo in North America alone (AZA). Zoos are not ethical because they restrict animals' natural behaviors, break apart strong family bonds, and don't provide educational benefits to viewers. In order to preserve wild animals, zoos and other animal attractions should be outlawed in the United States. Most wild animals require specific diets and habitats, and even the best zoos will find it near impossible to replicate the conditions of nature. For example, African Elephants, a popular attraction, require massive spaces to roam and play. "In the wild, they live in matriarchal herds and travel as far as 30 miles per day." (AZA) The typical size for a zoo enclosure, according to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, is less than one acre, and the indoor space requirement is only 400 square feet. A lack of exercise and prolonged hours of standing on cement floors are significant contributors to foot problems and arthritis in elephants. The average life span of an elephant born in captivity is 17 years, while in its natural habitat, it can span from 50-60 years.
Unsurprisingly, scientists are starting to note the psychological impact that confinement has on animals in captivity. Zoo animals during high-stress situations perform stereotypic behaviors known as "Zoochosis," which is considered an indication of severe psychological deprivation. "Some examples of abnormal behavior are rocking, head bobbing, over-grooming, and self-mutilation" (PETA). One common stereotypic behavior seen in "48% big cats such as tigers, leopards, and lions" (AWI) is called the "repetitive locomotion stereotype," where the animal is in a trance-like state, pacing back and forth. (DJ Lamont, One Green Planet). The development of Zoochosis stems from environmental factors, high-stress situations, lack of basic necessities, and isolation from family. The splitting of close-knit family units for higher revenue is another contributing stressor for animals in confinement, especially in species that rely on their familial groups for support, nourishment, and social interaction, such as the Silverback Gorilla and the African Elephant. The animal regulation and trading business is highly lucrative, as baby zoo animals like polar bears, giraffes, and bears are some of the most popular exhibits. Consequently, older animals become unwanted or an unnecessary surplus, which leads to the "undesirables" being auctioned to zoos across the nation in hopes of bringing profit somewhere else. In early 2014, a worldwide outrage sparked when Copenhagen Zoo brutally slaughtered a healthy young giraffe named Marius in front of young children. ...
