Are zoos ethical?

By: Joel Hernandez Garcia

 Overview:
Many argue that zoos are needed in
today's society but the truth is that zoos
are unethical and cause more harm than
good.
 Arguments against zoos:
• Zoos are detrimental to an animal's
mental & physical health.
• Artificial enclosures will never be a
proper substitute for an animal's natural
habitat.
Reason 1: Zoos are detrimental to an animal's mental &
physical health.

• Many animals are abused and

starved by their zoo keepers.
• Many animals lack nutrition
and develop serious health
issues because they are not
given balanced meals.
Reason 2: Artificial enclosures will never be a proper
substitute for an animal's natural habitat.

• Zoos do not take into

consideration when it
comes to an animal's
living space.
• An animal's
environment has an
impact on their
development.
 Arguments for zoos:

• Children benefit from zoos as they

learn about animals and conservation
efforts in person.

2. Zoos help rehabilitate wild animals.

Reason 1: Children benefit from zoos as they learn about
animals and conservation efforts in person.
• Children do not have to see
animals in person b/c there
are so many resources on
animals via the internet.
• What type of message do
zoos send out to kids when
they kill animals?
 Reason 2: Zoos help rehabilitate wild animals.

• Most captive breeding

programs do not release
animals back into the wild.
• Zoos cannot satisfy an
animal's complicated needs.
 Conclusion
Zoos are unethical and leave a devastating effect on animals. Zoos are no
longer needed in the 21st century as they are inhumane and unnecessary. If
zoos truly care for their animal's well being, they would advocte for the
reformation of laws and regulations.