The importance of analyzing animal behavior inside, and outside, of confinement is necessary to arrive at any conclusion regarding keeping exotic animals in captivity to improve population conservation. In order to determine which natural behaviors improve, or are indicators of good welfare, and which natural behaviors are not, it must be determined if the health of the animal is improved from allowing it to behave naturally, and under its own desire (Dawkins, 2006). In order to consider captive breeding for conservation a necessary practice, part of the process must be determining if the animals are able to perform normal behaviors, similar to behaviors displayed in the wild population. For example, social behaviors of orangutans were shown …show more content…
Several animal rights oriented critics of captive breeding insist that breeding in captivity involves only the breeding of “cute” animals that merit value from the public, rather than breeding for conservation purposes, and in the process of such breeding, animals reproduced in excess are allocated to subpar establishments for means of exploitation (Minteer and Collins, 2013). Simultaneously, there is a large number of the public that believes zoos are a place where animals are treated optimally, and a place where populations can be conserved (Davey, 2007). The public desires to be reassured by scientific data, in order to constitute the operation of captive breeding programs to improve conservation of the wildlife population (Davey, …show more content…
Scientists have a moral, and practical obligation to keep these animals in good health while they are under captive conditions (Gewin, 2008). Most animal conservation scientists are attentive to the growing concerns for animal well-being, and continue to learn that threats to species, populations, and ecosystems, impact animal welfare directly, or indirectly (Patton et al., 2000). Typically, however, they advocate focusing moral concern and societal action on such ends as the protection of endangered species and the preservation of wilderness, rather than reducing pain and suffering (or promoting the rights or dignity) of animals (Meffe, 2008). Research done by these scientists would seem to produce a positive value that deserves to be weighed against any disvalue produced by hurting or stressing an animal during the research process. All aspects considered, this research is still met with questions of moral credibility, even if the animals show signs of improved health, because it eliminates the animal’s freedom or treats them as a “mere means” to some anthropocentric end (Jones and McGreevy,
The idea of animal rights has been around for centuries. Even decades ago, people were taking action for the welfare of animals. Marc Bekoff and Ned Hettinger share this idea all the way back in 1994 when they said that there is evidence that scientist are concerned with animal welfare by acknowledge that they use the guidelines in place to protect animals during research, in order to have their work published (Bekoff 219). Guidelines are the basis for the moral and ethical treatment of animals. Each person may have his or her own standard, but having a standard among the entire population ensures the welfare of the animals. Unfortunately, these standards are not at a level to where the animals are being protected. Many animals in captivity are treated in ways that would shock the average person. Orcas for example, are starved until they do the desired task (Cowperthwaite). This form of operant condition can lead to success, but often leads to resentment and hostility towards the trainers.
The essence of the issues is if animals are being subjected to medical research against their will; is liable to say that we don’t place a high value on living things that are outside our human race? Subjecting animals to experiments that we would not consider ethically feasible to apply to humans. There are limitations that are placed legally to protect humanity. When considering animals for experimentation, there are no legal guidelines that restrict scientists from harming them. Ascribing animals to a lower moral status because of their lack of intelligence, communication skills, and human relations; taking advantage of them are quite easy. “According to the “Moral Theory of Animals, “there are two types of approaches that support this idea. One approach starts from the position that the interests of animals, particularly in avoiding suffering, should be taken into account when judging whether it is acceptable to use them for medical purposes that benefit human beings. The second approach argues that animals, like human beings, have rights that must be respected when considering their use for such purposes.” (Stanford
The topic of the treatment of captive animals in both zoos and aquariums is one of high controversy. It is argued that the capturing and breeding of wildlife, holding them in captivity may present them with unnecessary risks. This however is dependent on the species of animal.
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When discussing the issues faced from an ethical standpoint of animal rights it is important to consider the benefits animals bring to people and then question what rights animals are entitled to due to this (Fisher). Taking that into account, one must ask if giving them rights could possibly overstep on human rights and would animals even be able to enjoy rights (Fisher). It is often debated that the benefits and knowledge through experimentation of animals have led to life-saving advancements in the field of science and medicine (Fisher). The other side of the debate argues that even if these past benefits are justified, these type of experiments are no longer necessary and it is deemed unacceptable that wrongful treatment of animals is done for this purpose (Fisher). When it comes to the question of
As the animal rights movement has developed and grown substantially in recent years, there has been an increased focused on the welfare of captive animals. A popular institution that has received much attention for keeping animals captive is the zoo. Because of this focus, zoos have responded by publicizing their positive benefits for existence in order to justify keeping these animals on display. Since the term “zoo” can have a wide variety of meaning and characteristics, it is important to define what constitutes a zoo in this essay. Zoos are defined as a facility in which animals are confined within enclosures, displayed to the public, and
In the article “Zoos Are Cruel and Unnecessary,” Earth Times posed a question, “With the internet, as well as DVDs, 3D TV, etc., are zoos really necessary to teach people about animals in the 21st century?” In the response given by Liz Tyson, director of the Captive Animals’ Protection Society, she argues an animal and its environment in a zoo is “out of context” and there is no substitution for an animal’s natural habitat. Therefore, viewing animals in such environments distorts the message that a zoo’s primary purpose is to conserve these habitats in the wild. By focusing solely on the artificial habitats, Tyson fails to mention the educational opportunities that zoos and zoological parks can provide, such as interactive visitor programs, breeding and rehabilitation programs, and up-close animal encounters.
Exotic animals as pets are a very popular thing in the U.S. right now. To get one you need to know a few things such as: The laws, permits, its a criminal business so be careful who you get the animal from, they can be very expensive, they are a commitment, and you need to research that animal to make sure you know the risks.The U.S. is one of the main destinations for exotic and endangered wild animals (Inside The Exotic Animal Trade). As of 2013 around 19.4 million U.S. households had an exotic animal as a pet (Micheli, Robin). There are laws and restrictions to owning an exotic animal (Exotic Animal Laws by State). If you are considering owning one you need to check with your state, city, and county (Micheli, Robin).
While many people think that animals are safe at zoos and privately owned farms it's far from the truth. In 2011, nearly 50 animals died when their owner left open their cages before he shot himself. Eighteen tigers, seventeen African lions, six black bears, two grizzly bears, two wolves, and a baboon were killed by police officers who deemed the animals to be a danger to the community (Wild at Home). Instances like these show that private owners don’t put their animals’ well-being first. Exotic animals like chimpanzees and tigers shouldn’t be kept as pets because many of them suffer due to the substandard care that is given to them by private owners, many of them pose a threat not only to their owners but to their community, and many of them carry multiple diseases that are transmittable to humans.
Tigers, monkeys, snakes, and koalas. These are all animals children probably wanted as pets when they were younger, but it’s a good thing their parents had not allowed it. Keeping exotic animals in a cage at home can be identified as cruel and dangerous. Not only are they not domestic animals, but they are also quite expensive.
Innocent animals are locked inside cages in laboratories languishing in pain. All they want to do is roam free but instead they ache with loneliness. Annually over one hundred million animals are used for a variety of painful and torturous experimentations, also knows as vivisection, every year – without accountability. Animals used for experiments did not choose to donate their bodies to science. All they can do is wait for the next for the next terrifying and painful procedure that will be performed on them. Animals should not be experimented on because they are living, sentient beings. There are alternatives due to modern and up coming technology, and because the majority of what is tested on animals fails in humans. (The State of Animal Research)
"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” In other words, a nation can pass its moral test by treating animals kindly. However, this is rarely the case, especially where animal experimentation is concerned. First, animals feel pain just as much as humans do. And, since better options exist, causing animals’ unnecessary pain is unethical from a scientific perspective. Society should put an end to animal experimentation because animals are sentient beings, there are other alternatives, and its simply bad science; thus, ending animal cruelty will result in a more ethical society.
The topic of zoos and whether or not they’re humane have quickly become one of the biggest controversial topics in the past twenty years. There is not much of a ‘middle’ perspective in this debate, rather people tend to lie on two completely opposite ends of the spectrum when displaying their beliefs pertaining to the zoo debate. I chose to research this topic because though I have strong beliefs, I think that, on this matter specifically, people often jump to a certain side without any prior research or actual education on the subject. I think that it’s important to understand both sides of the argument of zoos before sustaining a side. Another reason why I chose this topic was to moreso educate myself and to make sure that the knowledge I
Scientists inhumanely sabotage animal lives and coerce them to live in unbearable conditions in order to conduct “accurate” results that can be used on people. Additionally, corporations are becoming corrupt because they fear that they will lose money once consumers learn about the pernicious procedures that go behind making their products. Despite the necessity for treatments and products, animal rights activists have fought continuously to preserve animal independence by exposing research facilities and advocating protests that have urged many corporations to consider producing animal-cruelty free products. It is important that individuals acknowledge that scientists and researchers are harming and endangering animal species by conducting unjust and inhumane experiments on these innocent creatures. Therefore, limiting the ways scientists test on animals will not only protect animal rights, but it will enhance human companionship. Ending animal abuse in research will create an effective social, political, economic, and cultural advancement that will improve moral significance among humans.
Do you think you should be able to keep an exotic animal such as a chameleon or a possum in your house? I definitely believe that Exotic Animals should be allowed to be kept as pets. Some may think differently but they should have a different thought after all my reasons, pets have been proved as a help to education, medical issues solved and they have a long life.