Commentary - (2025) Volume 9, Issue 1
Received: 22-Jan-2025, Manuscript No. ahbs-25-161560;
Editor assigned: 24-Jan-2025, Pre QC No. P-161560;
Reviewed: 07-Feb-2025, QC No. Q-161560;
Revised: 12-Feb-2025, Manuscript No. R-161560;
Published:
19-Feb-2025
, DOI: 10.37421/2952-8097.2025.9.295
Citation: Elena, Darko. “The Role of Zoos: Conservation or Captivity?.” J Anim Health Behav Sci 9 (2025): 295.
Copyright: © 2025 Elena D. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Zoos have long been at the center of an ongoing debate regarding their role in modern society. While some argue that zoos serve as critical conservation and educational institutions, others believe they are nothing more than places of captivity that exploit animals for human entertainment. As the world grapples with increasing threats to biodiversity, it is crucial to examine the true impact of zoos and whether they contribute positively to wildlife conservation or merely confine animals in unnatural environments [1]. One of the primary roles of zoos today is species conservation. Many zoos engage in breeding programs designed to prevent endangered species from going extinct. These programs, often coordinated through global initiatives such as the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), have successfully preserved species like the giant panda, Arabian oryx and golden lion tamarin. In addition to breeding efforts, some zoos actively participate in reintroduction programs, helping rehabilitate animals and release them into their natural habitats when possible. This aspect of zoo conservation has been instrumental in reversing population declines for several species [2].
Moreover, zoos play an important role in public education and raising awareness about wildlife conservation. By providing visitors with close encounters with animals, zoos help bridge the gap between people and nature, fostering empathy and understanding. Many zoos host educational programs, conservation talks and interactive exhibits that teach visitors about the threats facing wildlife, such as habitat destruction, climate change and poaching. This educational aspect can inspire individuals to support conservation efforts, donate to wildlife organizations, or even change personal behaviors, such as reducing plastic waste or making sustainable consumer choices. There is also a growing debate about whether wildlife sanctuaries or protected reserves are a better alternative to traditional zoos. Sanctuaries provide rescued animals with more natural environments and minimize human interaction, allowing them to live out their lives with dignity. Some conservationists argue that resources should be redirected from keeping animals in zoos toward protecting their natural habitats and funding conservation projects in the wild. With advancements in virtual reality and digital education, some propose that immersive wildlife experiences could eventually replace the need for physical zoos altogether [3].
Scientific research is another key function of zoos. Zoologists, veterinarians and researchers use zoo environments to study animal behavior, genetics and health, which provides valuable insights into species preservation. Research conducted in zoos has contributed to advancements in veterinary medicine, reproductive science and species management. Many zoos collaborate with universities, wildlife organizations and government agencies to share their findings and develop better conservation strategies. Another ethical concern is the treatment of animals in poorly managed zoos, roadside attractions and circuses that operate under the guise of conservation. In some cases, animals are subjected to inadequate living conditions, improper diets and limited medical care. Unlike accredited zoos that follow strict animal welfare standards, many of these facilities prioritize profit over conservation, exploiting animals for entertainment rather than education.
The existence of such establishments raises questions about whether zoos, as a whole, should continue to exist or whether stricter regulations should be imposed to ensure ethical treatment of captive animals [4]. Despite these positive contributions, zoos have been widely criticized for keeping animals in confinement, often in enclosures that fail to replicate their natural habitats. Many species, particularly large mammals like elephants, big cats and marine animals, require vast territories to roam, which no zoo can fully provide. This restriction often leads to stress, boredom and abnormal behaviors, such as pacing, self-harm, or excessive grooming phenomena commonly known as “zoochosis.” While modern zoos have made efforts to improve enclosure design, incorporating more natural elements and enrichment activities, captivity can never fully replace the complexity of life in the wild [5].
Zoos exist in a gray area between conservation and captivity. While many modern zoos contribute significantly to species protection, research and public awareness, ethical concerns about animal welfare remain valid. The future of zoos should focus on improving conditions for captive animals, increasing their contributions to conservation and ensuring that all facilities prioritize the well-being of the species they house. Ideally, conservation efforts should aim to protect wildlife in their natural habitats, reducing the reliance on captivity as a means of species survival. Until then, the role of zoos will continue to be a subject of debate, balancing their potential benefits against the moral considerations of keeping wild animals in human-made environments.
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Journal of Animal Health and Behavioural Science received 38 citations as per Google Scholar report
