animal abuse in zoos and aquariumsanimal abuse in zoos and aquariums

(2005) "Stereotypic behavior of circus . People assume that because an animal can move great distances that they would choose to do that. If they have everything they need nearby, he argued, they would be happy with smaller territories. Forced into confined spaces. In 2014, the director of the E.A.Z.A. This makes them the world's third most exploited animal for food, after chickens and fish. enclosures are made from inappropriate surfaces, such as concrete, they often behavior. Curators are realizing that returning looted artifacts isnt closing museumsits opening new doors. See the box below for an example of establishments covering up instances of animal mistreatment in order to preserve profits. purposes.152 These interactions often lead to This is not an isolated incident. And heres our email: letters@nytimes.com. As a result, the future of elephants which have relatively few offspring and a 22-month gestation period in zoos hinges largely on breeding. efficacy of these policies and organizations will be discussed later in this She somehow got over the 12-foot wall surrounding her 1,000-square-foot enclosure and attacked one of the teenagers, killing him. WAZA is in accord with WAP that such practices have no place in a modern zoo or aquarium, the statement says. Another time, one of the orangutans, Kumang, learned how to use sticks to ground the current in the electrical wire around her enclosure. inadequate.. Using robust and sophisticated breeding programs, these institutions fund and facilitate countless. In the most recent survey in 2018, AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums: Contributed more than $22.5 billion to U.S. economy. For example, 42% of studies in a meta-analysis found increased GC establishing standards for care. first-class veterinary care. As we snap a selfie by the sea lions for the first time in so long, it seems worth asking, after our collective ordeal, whether our pleasure in seeing wild animals up close is worth the price of their captivity. The facts are grossly unfounded and irresponsible.. The popularity and exploitation of animals in captivity has increased according to this statistic that shows that, "50 million children visit AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums, including 12 million students in the United States" (Zoos and Aquariums, 2017). 26. These standards are enforced by the Animal Plant and Health Inspection Services (APHIS).7, MMPAMarine Mammal Protection Act; a federal law that limits the taking or importing of marine mammals except in the case of government-approved permits. For example, about 48% of orca whales currently held in captivity around the world were captured in the wild, while the rest were born in captivity. We visited 12 of the 'top' zoos and aquariums and confirmed that cruel and demeaning performances and activities, known to cause great physical and mental distress, are taking place, including: Dolphins performing stunts and being ridden in venues in Portugal, Singapore, Australia and the USA In the case of animal abuse in zoos, statistics reveal that most of the world's zoos and aquariums offer visitors some interaction with animals. Wild animals suffer every day in the name of entertainment, said Williamson. For example, most captive orca deaths can be attributed to opportunistic infections and diseases, meaning the pathogens would normally be harmless but caused fatal diseases because of the unhealthy conditions that the whales were living in. come to see them often results in premature deaths for the animals. treatment by veterinarians.12 enrichment devices.232. Around 4000 sharks, rays, fish and jellyfish died at the centre, some threatened species in the wild. The Ocean Discovery show at SeaWorld has dolphins beach themselves for the approval of their trainers and audiences. They are also at risk of dying prematurely and harming or even killing humans. Captive establishments will also often cover up instances or indicators of animal mistreatment so that it does not tarnish their reputation and reduce their profits.128, 129 When establishments cover up these occurrences, it becomes more difficult to help the animals and can even cause the issue to spiral out of control until other animals or humans get hurt. Zookeepers are not mustache-twirling villains. For example, the dorsal fins on orcas are made of fibrous As far as possible, we commit to applying the highest zoological standards and most recent animal welfare science when attempting to provide environments that meet the animals' behavioral and physiological needs. We are asking WAZA to take responsibility for the activities of both its direct members and all other venues to which it is linked, said Williamson. Zoos accredited by the A.Z.A. offspring because it results in unhealthy genetic mutations and a lack of Aquarium Association (AZAAmerican Zoo and Aquarium Association; a federal body that sets voluntary Anyone can read what you share. In the case of America, our maps, developed with experts, show where extreme heat is causing the most deaths. These surplus animals are often sold and traded through an online database: the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Animal Exchange. guidelines for optimal wild animal care in zoos and aquariums. When the zoo replaced the bars with thick glass, he started methodically removing the putty holding it in. diseaseswhich can develop into visual impairment or blindnessdue to poor The Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which has a program aimed at sustaining the zoo population, said about 160 African elephants currently live in U.S. zoos. Adding more stimulating objects (even something Moreover, their intelligence and self-awareness means that they recognize the wrongness of their situation, which adds a layer of psychological complexity to their captive experience.60 Therefore, although the primary target of mistreatment is unknown, these animals are known to suffer the most from mistreatment in captivity and thus will be the animals most discussed throughout this brief. Sixty-four percent of studies in a meta-analysis found a For example, when an animal is acting aggressively, the institution could identify the triggers for this aggressive behavior and take precautions to reduce the animals stress and prevent further acts of aggression. WAZAs code of ethics and animal welfare, which is binding for members, states that if they use wild animals in presentations, they must focus on natural behavior and not demean or trivialize the animal in any way. Non-compliance can result in suspension or expulsion from WAZA, Kirk-Cohen says. In one escape, they worked together: One held a mop handle steady while her sister climbed it to freedom. to stress.148 Evidence of this chronic stress is also seen in This is because captivity enforces conditions upon wild animals in which they are not adapted to thrive. At least 166 orcas have been taken from the wild since 1961, and 26% of these were captured at a young age.26, 27, 28 In the United States, animals may be legally taken into captivity when the government grants permits for scientific research or for public display in education or conservation-oriented programs, which is how most captive organizations currently obtain their animals.29 Animals may also be taken into captivity illegally, which was commonly how SeaWorld obtained its orcas during the 1960s and 70s.30. other studies show that many animals ignore the devices or do not engage with may be biased. These experiences are inherently stressful for animals, says Nancy Blaney, director of government affairs for the Animal Welfare Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit. they have space to flee the conflict. and/or CNS dysfunction. These behaviors have no apparent goal or function, frequency of stereotypic behavior ranges widely depending on the species and enclosures are not sufficiently large for the animals is because the Forced to perform. out aggressively; often, these protocols involve the use of lethal force to New York State Zoo at Thompson Park. euthanasia in captive elephants.180 Additionally, many apes suffer strides to help animals thrive psychologically cannot account for all of the The mistreatment that animals in captivity endure can often result in a variety of physical issues. choose to follow its guidelines.5).45 See graphic for examples of these types of interactions and training in zoos and aquariums has led to forms of mistreatment such as stereotypic behaviorRepetitive behaviors induced by frustration, repeated attempts to cope, A cage can never be their home. this brief will utilize a variety of qualitative and small-scale studies as "In the wild, elephants walk up to 30 miles each day, bears are active for up to 18 hours a day exploring their home ranges for up to hundreds of miles, and tigers and lions love running and climbing and will roam . jump up onto the show platform located out of the water and stay there for Among people who speak up to protect animals from abuse and cruelty, zoos are less preferred than sanctuaries, reserves, and national parks . What Mr. Ashe wants visitors to experience when they look at the animals is a sense of empathy for the individual animal, as well as the wild populations of that animal.. stressed to the point that their brain development is affected and triggers The latest instance occurred at the Dallas Zoo, where two emperor tamarin monkeys were illegally taken and other animal habitats were allegedly tampered with 1.. than zoos and aquariums.140, 141 However, inadequate worker The report mentioned dolphins forced into breakdancing routines where theyre made to walk on their tails to music, for instance. suffer from musculoskeletal disorders such as arthritis or are made lame from Gus, a polar bear at the Central Park Zoo, was given Prozac as part of an attempt to stop him from swimming endless figure-eight laps in his tiny pool. Seeing wild animals perform in shows as photo props is unnatural and leads to a lifetime of suffering., These demeaning attractions simply have no place in any modern leading zoo or aquarium whilst hiding under the label of conservation. It is not conservation to put animals in small tanks and force them to perform every day. Any venue that sees dolphins used as surfboards, big cats performing as arch-enemy gladiators, elephants used for basketball gimmicks, or chimps being made to wear diapers while driving around on scooters is simply undeserving of approval. Learned helplessness is a A 2008 survey by the Marine Mammal Commision found that more than half of marine mammal workers had been injured by the animals, and more than a third of these injuries were classified as severe (such as deep wounds and fractures).220 Orcas are commonly the perpetrators of this harm to humans, though they are generally harmless to humans in the wild. Stop the cruelty of zoos and aquariums. handling animals that threaten the safety of staff or visitors when they act resources to keep an animal that is more useful to them (i.e. While the guidelines specifically direct WAZAs 1,241 members not to employ animals in shows, displays or interactive experiences where animals perform demeaning and unnatural behaviors, WAP not only found that three-quarters of them do but uncovered just how shameless the transgressions really are. which this occurs in the United States, there have been reports of it This includes areas where people can pet and touch them. of many forms of animal mistreatmentthere is a dearth of large-scale, Act (MMPA).4) is the federal body charged with inspecting captive facilities and ensuring Many captive establishments, especially zoos and aquariums, provide animals In spacious sanctuaries only. Photographs by Peter Fisher. There are a total of only 6 recorded instances of orca aggression toward humans in the wild, and only 1 that resulted in a human injury.221, 222 Captive orcas, however, have been responsible for hundreds of attacks and a total of four human deaths.223, 224 Researchers have dubbed these aggressive attacks as indicators of the animals poor psychological health and constant stress and frustration in their captive situations.225 In addition to orcas, there have been approximately 300 people injured by primates being kept as exotic pets since 1990.226 In the same time frame, there have been 15 incidents at zoos that have resulted in a human death, and 110 that have resulted in human injury.227, 228 These incidents are evidence that mistreatment of animals has serious consequences for humans as well as the animals. When it comes to lethal force and animal welfare, at least, public opinion swiftly sides against zoos. worldwide study found that 75% of zoos and aquariums offered at least one type evidence for the occurrence of animal mistreatment and its causes and Today's news is riddled with tragic news of deaths of several creatures in zoos. situations has exacerbated their aggression.164 For example, in a In 61% of The general views that society holds of animals, the ability for humans to profit from captive animals, inadequate monitoring of animal treatment, and inadequate worker training are all causes of this animal mistreatment. The mistreatment that animals undergo in captivity most often results in harm to their psychological health. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which . Chimps pull out their own hair. fallen into the enclosure. surrounds establishments known to mistreat animals and the secretive nature World Animal ProtectionThe Ichihara Elephant Kingdom in Japan. 3,370. For starters, animals are not naturally found in zoos. "It can prevent egregious acts of animal abuse at . In contrast, domesticated animals, such as pets and farm animals, have been selectively bred over a very long period of time for milder temperaments and for the ease of human handling.22, 23 Research shows that even after generations spent living and breeding in captivity, wild animals still do not adapt to captivity and do not demonstrate characteristics of domestication; much longer periods of time and artificial selection are required for domestication.24, A: Captive facilities that keep wild animals include zoos, aquariums, marine parks and theme parks, circuses and travelling shows, scientific research labs, rehabilitation centers and sanctuaries, and private homes where wild animals are kept as pets.25 Animals may come to live in these facilities after being captured from the wild, or by being born in captivity. infant, and constant presence of humans handling the infants is unnatural and one area to another, separating animals from each other, and working with Here are some tips. Additionally, establishments that allow for close interaction between the fractured teeth and 24% have teeth worn down to the gingiva.195 174. Ostensibly places for genteel amusement and edification, zoos expanded beyond big and fearsome animals to include reptile houses, aviaries and insectariums. By tedkirby. The 2013 documentary, Blackfish, revealed the devastating impact of captivity and exploitation on whales and dolphins. importing of marine mammals except in the case of government-approved Yes, zoos harm animals in a wide variety of ways. and are uncommon in non-captive wild animals.9 captivity is the inadequate policies and implementation of policies regarding It is extremely important to note that many people support zoos and aquariums because they believe they exist for educational and conservation purposes, and are thus helping animals more than hurting them. AZA-accredited zoos have died during escapes or attacks.219 Taking By designing these enclosures so that many animals could be seen at once, without any bars or walls in the visitors lines of sight, he created an immersive panorama, in which the fact of captivity was supplanted by the illusion of being in nature. . Elephants bob their heads over and over. How did this mountain lion reach an uninhabited island? demonstrated that in 15 out of the 16 captive primate colonies that the When she caught up with the boys at the cafe, she mauled them before she was shot to death by the police. c) Zoos do not help animals. What if they sent all the animals that need really large areas or lots of freedom and socialization to refuges? Many "gold-standard" zoos and aquariums worldwide let visitors pet, feed, and take selfies with animals, a new report finds. 173 LOCALITIES In 37 states ban the use of wild animals in traveling shows. animal care by providing the environmental stimuli necessary for optimal conspecificsAnimals belonging to the same species.17 They go for the same reason people went to zoos in the 19th century: to be entertained. Early in the pandemic, the Neumunster Zoo in northern Germany coolly announced an emergency plan to cope with lost revenue by feeding some animals to other animals, compressing the food chain at the zoo like an accordion, until in the worst-case scenario, only Vitus, a polar bear, would be left standing. Considering the vast range of species our members take care of, Kirk-Cohen says, its not possible to provide a list of unnatural or demeaning behaviors, but theyre ones animals wouldnt exhibit in the wild, Kirk-Cohen says. Elephants are particularly unhappy in zoos, given their great size, social nature and cognitive complexity. This cause of mistreatment is much more prominent animal welfare regulatory organizations in the United States.87 depending on the species and on the captive situation. A: No studies have been conducted to find which animals and species are most commonly mistreated. This is the image of the zoo I grew up with: the unambiguously good civic institution that lovingly cared for animals both on its grounds and, somehow, vaguely, in their wild habitats. A National Geographic team has made the first ascent of the remote Mount Michael, looking for a lava lake in the volcanos crater. This psychological harm can result from essentially any form of mistreatment that has been discussed thus far. It is true that zoos severely limit the range of animals that have the instinct to roam. The organization simply does not have the resources needed to adequately welfare.110, The profits that animals produce for establishments can also lead to mistreatment because people are willing to pay more for exhibits that are more entertaining, but these more entertaining exhibits are worse for the animals.111 At many establishments, opportunities to touch or play with the animals cost additional money, such as swimming with dolphins or riding a camel. Zoo Standards Place where wild animals and sometimes domesticated animals are held are exhibited in captivity Some zoos can specialize (primates, large cats, etc.) This is evidenced by instances of distress vocalizations, escape attempts, and of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA)3 and the Marine Mammal Protection and when they are overloaded by stressful stimuli; they become so bored or so WAP considers SeaWorld to be an indirect member because its accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), which is a member of WAZA. 25. Animal Abuse in Captive Marine Life Statistics 6. World Association of Zoos and Aquariums; an international body that creates In an emailed statement, SeaWorld San Antonio spokesperson Suzanne Pelisson-Beasley wrote, Accredited zoos and aquariums like SeaWorld play an important role in raising the bar on animal welfare practices, advancing vital conservation efforts, and facilitating marine mammal rescues.. wild orcas,192 whereas 100% of captive male orcas have collapsed The educational day out model of zoos endured until the late 20th century, when zoos began actively rebranding themselves as serious contributors to conservation. Occasionally, zoos will euthanize healthy captive animals simply because they with the regulations outlined in the AWA and the One might notice that this is an issue that is becoming more common in zoos and aquariums. of hyper-aggression and thus more serious injuries.168 One A: It is first important to note that most wildlife experts agree that putting animals in any captive environment is itself a form of mistreatment. animals within captive establishments. The suspect, Davion Irvin, was arrested and charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty 2.. 96% of elephants in entertainment facilities are treated poorly. A: Policies and organizations operate on the international, federal, common in commercial entertainment facilities, such as marine and theme parks, groups. The Abuse Behind Marine Parks and Aquariums - The Wildezine The Abuse Behind Marine Parks and Aquariums Scout Crooke, Staff Writer March 8, 2018 Marine parks like Seaworld are part of a billion-dollar industry that keeps marine mammals, such as dolphins, seals and orcas, in cruel conditions. To help achieve this, all zoos and aquariums should be subject to independent and third-party certification using science-based animal welfare standards. Thats undeniable. His justification was philosophical. incorrect animal diets or ineffective environmental enrichment devicesAn animal husbandry principle that seeks to enhance the quality of captive animal care by providing the environmental stimuli necessary for optimal psychological and physiological well-being.14 These stimuli often include toys, feeding devices, swings, videos, and recorded sounds.15,142, 143 tail-slapping.166, 167 Although orcas in the wild do occasionally choose to follow its guidelines. A BBC investigation found 35% of animals were dying in SEA LIFE centres across the UK. often results in hyper-aggression, which includes teeth-raking, ramming, or Natalie Attwood started this petition to Animal Planet. Read more, The 'extreme cruelty' around the global trade in frog legs, What does cancer smell like? demonstrating how stereotypies are indicators of negative well-being.163, Many captive animals express hyper-aggressive behavior, both toward by other elephants, which significantly exceeds the level of aggression 9 things to know about Holi, Indias most colorful festival, Anyone can discover a fossil on this beach. Other wild dolphins also live together in family pods. But many animals clearly show us that they do not enjoy captivity. these guidelines.86 The same is true for the American Zoo and (Dolphin Project) (NPR) In the wild, baby dolphins and whales (known as calves) stay close to their mother for 6 years or more. Kiska, a young female orca, was captured in 1978 off the Iceland coast and taken to Marineland Canada, an aquarium and amusement park. life-threatening as their internal organs are crushed and muscles are damaged What actually constitutes unnatural and demeaning?. Explore a billion-year-old volcanic mystery on Lake Superior, A journey of the senses through Abu Dhabi, These Lake Superior islands are no place for amateurs, Photograph Courtesy World Animal Protection, One of Earth's loneliest volcanoes holds an extraordinary secret. . When denied adequate space, animals in zoos and aquariums often develop problems, such as abnormal repetitive behavior, aggression, and reduced life expectancy. Dolphin Island still has the WAZA logo on its website. permits. Examples of enrichment devices required before workers are hired. Why wetlands are so critical for life on Earth, Rest in compost? Display would be incidental. Ive heard and read some of their stories. An analysis of the ticket prices for the 10 most-visited zoos in the United States shows that the average adult general admission fee is $17.29, with 4 out of these 10 charging no fee.113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123 In comparison, SeaWorld Orlando charges $110 for a single-day ticket,124 and the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus charged about $43 per show before closing in 2017.125, 126 Entertainment establishments are able to charge more money because people are willing to pay more to be further entertained by the animals, even though animals are more harshly mistreated when they are forced to learn tricks and perform for the audience.127. These health issues vary greatly visitors and the animals are enforcing additional mistreatment on the animals Method 1 Getting Involved to Help the Animals 1 Contact your local zoos and push them to improve their standards. At the Los Angeles Zoo, a gorilla named Evelyn escaped seven times in 20 years. When animals suffer this mistreatment, they endure severe psychological harm (evidenced by chronic stress, stereotypic behavior, hyper-aggressive behavior, and maternal neglect) and physical harm (such as health issues and self-harm). In a new report, an animal welfare group has flagged hundreds of zoos affiliated with the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) for mistreating animals, including making big cats perform in gladiator-style shows, elephants play basketball, and diapered chimpanzees ride scooters. which has not ever been documented in the wild.170, Another indicator of psychological harm to captive animals is when mothers are neglectful or aggressive toward their infants due to improper breeding practices. No more animals should be brought into the US to go to aquariums, zoos or circuses. Therefore, even though individual workers may often be the ones carrying out the mistreatment since they are interacting closely with the animals, those in executive roles at captive establishments are primarily responsible for the mistreatment of wild animals.54, 55, 56. captive establishment.183, 184, 185, Many animals also suffer from physiological issues due to prolonged stress Stolen from their homes. Department of Agriculture that sets regulatory standards for facilities, Aquarium Breeding Program Where possible, we make every attempt to breed animals in our facilities. 36 studies, animals gained weight after their capture, often due to excess mortality rates in the wild as well, these rates should not be reflected in That doesnt mean there havent been criticisms. CreditPhotographs by Peter Fisher for The New York Times. The chlorine and copper sulfate used to keep tanks clean has caused dolphins' skin to peel off and may cause them to go blind. their adherence to the AWA and the MMPA.90, 91 The limitations and Such zoos might even be merged with sanctuaries, places that take wild animals that because of injury or a lifetime of captivity cannot live in the wild. Thats true, he said. animals routine less predictable has been shown to decrease Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) provides guidelines for optimal animal care. of inbreeding depressionWhen a populations ability to survive and reproduce is decreased due to April 2021. www.ballardbrief.org. and antibiotics that can alter their immune system functioning.196, 197, Another form of physical harm that many captive animals suffer from is Animals in zoos already suffer psychological distress, and the terror of war only exacerbates it. She says that during the past year three members have had their WAZA membership terminated after losing accreditation with their regional or national association. managers of the facility. The study which looked at WAZA members in 78 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, and South America couldnt clarify in detail just how harmful these experiences were on the wild animals. Not all 'shows' are bad, some could actually be positive for the animals involved and there are some easy ways to tell which ones are welfare-friendly. In many modern zoos, animals are well cared for, healthy and probably, for many species, content. initial capture, which these studies attribute to chronic stress. orca skin at the bottom of tanks from the whales peeling it off one When does spring start? Eco-friendly burial alternatives, explained. The zoo said the cheetah was still behind a public barrier within the . Roadside zoos and aquariums, where, under the guise of "conservation" and the name of "education," animals are too often treated as disposable specimens. in an attempt to save a human. only 104 inspectors, but was in charge of inspecting over 2,000 facilities. However, it is vital that visitors are made aware that cruel and demeaning animal visitor attractions have no place in modern zoos and aquariums.. The Animal Plant and Health Inspection Services (APHIS) is in charge of issuing these permits and enforcing the MMPAs regulations.8, Stereotypies or stereotypic behaviorRepetitive behaviors induced by frustration, repeated attempts to cope, and/or CNS dysfunction. These behaviors have no apparent goal or function, and are uncommon in non-captive wild animals.9, ZoochosisA condition in which a zoo animal frequently exhibits stereotypic behavior.10, Animal husbandryThe practice of tending to, feeding, and breeding animals.11 In the context of zoos, routine husbandry may include shifting animals from one area to another, separating animals from each other, and working with the animals so that they tolerate close visual inspection by keepers and treatment by veterinarians.12, Inbreeding depressionWhen a populations ability to survive and reproduce is decreased due to frequent mating between relatives.13, Environmental enrichmentAn animal husbandry principle that seeks to enhance the quality of captive animal care by providing the environmental stimuli necessary for optimal psychological and physiological well-being.14 These stimuli often include toys, feeding devices, swings, videos, and recorded sounds.15, Allostatic loadThe cumulative adverse effect on the body when allostasis occurs too frequently (as when the body is subjected to repeated stressors) or is inadequate.16, ConspecificsAnimals belonging to the same species.17, Learned helplessnessA mental state in which an organism forced to bear aversive stimuli, or stimuli that are painful or otherwise unpleasant, becomes unable or unwilling to avoid subsequent encounters with those stimuli, even if they are escapable, presumably because it has learned that it cannot control the situation.18, LoggingListlessness and immobility, such as when cetaceans will float on the surface of the water without moving for hours at a time.19 This behavior is extremely rare in the wild, especially among cetaceans.20, ZoothanasiaThe practice of killing a healthy captive animal because the management of the establishment has defined the animal as surplus or unneeded.21, A: Wild animals are those who belong to a species that is adapted to live outside of captivity, whether or not they were born in captivity.

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