ASD Libraries: G07: Art of Argument: Animals in Captivity

Accredited Zoos

Conservation Education
Studies have shown that AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums enhance the public’s understanding of wildlife and the need to conserve the places animals live. Visitors believe zoos and aquariums play an important role in conservation education and that when they experience a stronger connection to nature, are prompted to reconsider their role in environmental problems and conservation action and see themselves as part of the solution as a result of their visit.
Now more than ever, our planet needs good zoos
As Earth faces its sixth mass extinction crisis with hundreds of species disappearing each year, we will be working to save them.
Why the world needs (good) zoos more than ever
Zoos have changed. Today, the best zoos provide a vital conservation lifeline for some of the world’s most endangered species.
Zoos Are Not Prisons. They Improve the Lives of Animals.
The recent death of Harambe—the Western lowland gorilla shot dead at the Cincinnati Zoo after a three-year-old boy fell into his enclosure—has ignited a fierce debate about the role of modern zoos. Some critics have seized the tragedy as an opportunity to advance an uncompromising anti-captivity narrative in which all zoos and aquariums are inherently unethical and cruel.

Aquariums

Are Captive Dolphins Healthy?
Captive dolphins have proven to be a majestic sight and major tourist attraction at many major resorts and aquariums, yet whether these creatures were meant to be held by humans is a controversial question yet to be settled. Recently, arguments about the morality of zoos and aquariums have centered on how captivity can produce negative health effects for animals of all sorts, with much attention being paid to the way that dolphins respond to captivity.
Orcas don’t do well in captivity. Here’s why.
The marine mammals, stars of amusement park shows around the world, have long died before their time.

Books

Animals Matter by Marc Bekoff; Jane Goodall (Foreword by)
Call Number: 179.3 BEK
ISBN: 9781590305225
Publication Date: 2007

Wild Animals in Captivity
This is an epic book and can be accessed using the class code ecs1182

Zoos

Student Opinion: Zoos should be banned
What do you think of when you hear the word "zoo?" Do you picture a nice habitat or a spacious enclosure? Perhaps you think a zoo is a vacation for animals before they are returned to the wild? These ideas couldn't be further from the truth.
Saving the elephant population means using special breeding
Over the last 10 years, 70 percent of Africa's wild elephant population has been killed off. The main cause is ivory poaching, in which elephants are slaughtered for their valuable tusks. At the same time, efforts to breed captive zoo elephants have not been very successful.
Critics Question Zoos' Commitment to Conservation
Zoos have acted as safe havens for many endangered species. But many critics call 'foul', saying zoos have stepped far beyond conservation.
Do We Need Zoos?
Over the Memorial Day weekend, a 4-year-old boy climbed the guardrail at the Cincinnati Zoo and into the enclosure of a 17-year-old silverback gorilla named Harambe. By now, most people know how this played out. The boy’s mother had lost track of him, long enough that he crawled over a wall and fell 10 feet into a moat at the bottom. Harambe stood over the child, as if protecting him from the people yelling above, then grabbed the boy’s arm and jerked him through the water
Do Roadside Zoos Help Endangered Animals? What to Know About Conservation
Roadside zoos defend their breeding programs under the pretext of conservation, but at these shabby captive-animal displays, new baby animals are bred for only one purpose. It’s not to replenish threatened populations—it’s to bring visitors through the gates.
Most Captive-Born Predators Die If Released
Most large, captive-bred carnivores die if returned to their natural habitat, a new study has found.
A Zoo is a Great Educational Tool
First I have to tip my hat in apology to aquariums, wildlife parks and educational farms. Since I work in a zoo that’s what I can talk about. But the idea of a zoo as an effective educational tool applies equally well to all non-formal educational settings, such as art museums, science museums, nature parks or natural areas. Teachers who have access to any of these should definitely include them in their toolbox.