Animal Rights: The Mistreated Orca At Seaworld

For many years, we’ve been going to such places like, SeaWorld, and Six Flags, to see vast animals, like Orcas, also known as the killer whale, which we wouldn’t normally see out in the wild. Orcas have been around for millions of years; it’s known to be one of the smartest mammals, closest to humans. Since of their friendliness, people have taken advantage of them. For the past sixty years people have brought these massive creatures into their aquariums to make profit out of it, but never thought about their lives. What if you were kept in a cage for years, and was pushed to do such activities, you wouldn’t do in your normal life. While being in captivities, killer whales are forced to do plentiful tricks, which they normally wouldn’t do

The Killer Whale, otherwise known as Orca, and scientifically known by its genus Orcinus, has captivated the imagination and hearts of millions of people around the world. Having the largest brain of any mammal its size, the Orcas cognitive abilities are only rivaled by their highly elaborated emotional processing system; gregarious in nature, Orcas are easily considered to be the most socially bonded mammal on the planet. These mythological creatures, however, were not always considered to be the gentle, sentient beings that we know today. In fact, these mythical beasts were once so feared, as recently as 1973, US NAVY diving manuals warned of ferocious attacks on humans; even launching slaughters to protect north Atlantic military bases from potential security risks. It was not until the brief life and death of the first captive Orca named Moby Doll, and the first marine park SeaWorld, that public perception began to change. While in part, captivity has played a significant role in the understanding of the species, research conducted on the wild Orca has provided us with substantial evidence to challenge the quality of life in captivity; forcing the examination of the emotional, psychological and physical effects on the captive Orca.

Conversely, this quote shows that zoos are good for the animals and the people because the people get to learn about the animals. "Jack Hanna, a part-time Jupiter resident and one of the world's best-known animal experts, has a message... Zoos,are necessary and indispensable....The primary responsibility of zoos, is educating the people who visit annually. 35 percent said the zoo reinforced their existing beliefs about conservation. It's that kind of personal connection that makes people want to protect animals and conserve their environments." Visitors who visit the zoo do not see a problem with

According to the Saint Louis Zoo, “People learn at zoos. They learn in our formal classes, lectures, camps, teacher workshops, distance learning, zoo tours, overnights and outreach programs.” But, how many people actually go instead of just going to the zoo. Out of their 3,000,000 annual visitors, only 400,000 actually go to their programs, instead of just going to the zoo. However, according to Captive Animals’ Protection Society or CAPS director, Liz Tyson, “most children visiting zoos are neither empowered nor educated by the experience of seeing captive wild animals so far removed from their natural habitat.” Kids who spend more time researching animals or help with animal foundations would be able to learn easier than just going to the zoo and listen to people talking. While some might think that zoos help children learn about animals, there are many other ways for children to learn without harming the

Zoos also promote the need for conservation and education opportunities to the public and vets (Lecture 11/13/17). These ethical institutions also have taken in hurt animals and rehabilitate them. During their recovery time, they are put in an enclosure that is close to their natural habitat so their natural habits and activities are promoted. Once the animal is healed, they are returned to the wild to thrive (Lecture 11/13/17). If a species is on the verge of becoming extinct, animals of that species are brought into a controlled environment, a zoo, to raise the numbers of species. After this advanced breeding process, the animals are returned to the

Zoos are important for animal education. According to Agnew, zoos are an amazing way for people to learn about wildlife without having to travel far distances (2). If we had to travel far distances all the time then people would be less interested in learning more about them. More money would be spent on your traveling than on you simply driving to the zoo.

Some people say that zoos are captivity prisons for animals. But actually they can be a luxury for animals. Humans are animal butlers there. But when they are not in zoos, humans can be their predators those specific humans are hunters. That’s why zoos are a safe haven for animals.

How much do you really care about animals? Are the important to you? Years ago animals that lived in zoos were treated poorly and lived in a wire cage that was most the time to small for the animal. Today’s zoos focus on the animals more than anything. They make sure every animal is in its best health condition, properly taken care of and has plenty of room to roam, swim, fly, or climb. Zoos today also try to educate people on how they can help protect animals in the wild. Although animals in zoos are not able to hunt and their natural diet is limited, animals should be kept in controlled environments. If the animals are kept in controlled environments or zoos they will always be in there best health, in a safe away from predators, and can help increase

There are currently 57 captive orca whales being used as entertainment for profit at marine amusement parks around the world. Orca confinement is inhumane and is a disservice to such a socially complex, intelligent, self aware species. This is not only an animal cruelty issue. There have been many incidents of human injury and even deaths caused by whales as a result of the physical and mental stress they endure. Whales are by far the largest animals held in captivity, and after over 50 years of exhibiting, it has become painfully clear that they do not adjust to and should no longer remain captive performers (Rose, 2011).

Zoos date back to centuries ago. In the beginning, they were used to scientifically study the habits and behaviors of animals. Since then, zoos have changed. Zoos are now not only used for education, but for modern entertainment. Children love going to the zoo but as people are starting to get older, they are seeing going to the zoo in different perspectives. There a lots of questions pertaining to whether or not Zoos doing any good for animals. People may also argue and say that zoos are good for the animals that can’t survive in the wild on their own. Are zoos benefiting the animals or are they holding them as prisoners?

Putting animals in captivity such as zoos has its benefits. It teaches kids about the different species from all over the world and makes it convenient for us to see the wildlife. However, the damage it causes outweighs the benefits. Keeping animals in their habitat is better than putting them in captivity because it is healthier for their mental health, physical health, and it is dangerous for people who work with them.

My first reason is that they are educational. Zoos make seeing animals and their nature up close and they let scientists study these magnificent animals easier. Some

Zoos teach young kids as well as adults that it is okay to cage animals and that is not true at all. If people wanted to learn about wild animals and their habits, they could go on a wildlife trip where animals are in their natural habitat. Some people believe that people who work at zoos are true animal lovers and want the best for the animals. This is not true at all. Many zookeepers are just people wanting a good job. Many of the animal abuse cases in zoos are from the workers not the visitors. Many animals in zoos are provided with little to no care. If they are sick, they will just kill the animal instead of paying to get it cared for. How is this ok? These animals could be out enjoying their life in the wild but instead they are in zoos living a short life while in a

Influential groups like the Humane Society and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) admit on their website some zoos are beneficial to animals in supporting conservation programs, participating in the preservation and restoration of endangered species, and promoting education about the importance of wildlife (“Position Statement on Zoos and Aquariums”). However, this statement holds under certain conditions. First, the Humane Society recommends zoos be organized around “a core mission that educates the public about the needs of the animals and the threats they face.” Also, zoos should treat animals humanely and provide care adapted to their physical, social and psychological needs (“Zoos”). Finally, the ASPCA indicates zoos should “participate in tightly controlled breeding programs” and their displays “should stress the themes of endangered species, wild habitat destruction and reduced biodiversity” (“Position Statement on Zoos and Aquariums”). Unfortunately, many zoos do not fall under these descriptions, but they can act on several factors with the intent to fill in their vast conservation function and thus work towards the animal welfare activists’ demands.

Zoos play an important role in the conservation of animals in the wild, mostly endangered or exotic species. Zoos provide benefits for these animals in various ways.