Evaluate this statement: ‘zoos are
beneficial in the conservation of
animals’.
Evaluate this statement: ‘Zoos are beneficial in the conservation of animals’.
Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 2
Reactions to Zoos .................................................................................................................................... 3
Zoos and Education ................................................................................................................................. 4
Zoos Worldwide and Conservation ......................................................................................................... 6
Favourable Animals and Conservation ................................................................................................... 8
The Reach of Zoos ................................................................................................................................. 10
Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................. 12
Bibliography .......................................................................................................................................... 12
1
Evaluate this statement: ‘Zoos are beneficial in the conservation of animals’.
Introduction
Throughout this dissertation, I will be evaluating zoological gardens (zoos) and their relationship to
local and global conservation efforts. I will be evaluating how beneficial zoos are within the realm of
conservation.
The Zoo
1
Collins dictionary, 2018, defined the Zoo as ‘A place where live animals are kept, studied, bred, and
exhibited to the public’. 2The first notion of the zoo came from William the Conqueror, in the 11th
century, using exotic animals, such as camels and lions as a sign of power. Foreign royal monarchs
would gift these creatures from their countries to other rulers. These could be then used as
entertainment for their guests. In 1810, all members of the public could see exotic animals at the
notorious George Wombwell’s zoo. The developing zoo industry provoked the first scientific zoo to
be made in London, now known as the Zoological Society of London. This was made with the intent
of studying these animals and gained the interest of scientists such as Charles Darwin, who later
went on to explain the variation in animals and devise his theory of natural selection with Alfred
Russell Wallace. However, it was only in 1958 where Gerald Durrell set a wildlife park up with the
aim of preserving endangered species.
Conservation and Zoos
From this point forward zoos have started to adapt, and the purpose has started to change. As the
novelty has started to be the less forefront goal of zoos, practices such as conservation and scientific
research are becoming more prevalent. This change is beginning to question the ethics of zoos and
changing the approach and attitudes towards them.
Conservation is defined, by Collins dictionary 2018, as ‘the act or an instance of conserving or
keeping from change, loss, injury, etc’. This is highly relevant currently as biodiversity is decreasing
at an alarmingly fast rate due to a variety of factors such as deforestation, climate change, hunting
and urbanisation. Deforestation and urbanisation lead to loss of habitat and emit toxic chemicals.
Many animals cannot survive with the changing climate. Climate change also causes detrimental
effects such as rising sea levels, saltation and hunting directly causes loss of life. These factors will
mean that fewer animals exist to pass their genes on - reducing species biodiversity. There are other
factors involved which aren’t human factors, for example, an increase of competition in the species
community, however, it is clear, as humans, we have drastically affected the biodiversity in the
world. Animals are the attraction of zoos therefore zoos are in the best position with resources to
reverse these effects. 3The UK Zoo Licencing Act (1981) contains an explicit section on the
conservation measures zoos are legally obligated to partake in. They must promote public education
on the importance of conserving biodiversity; accommodate animals with a high standard of
veterinary care and nutrition – along with providing an environment which will achieve the physical,
emotional and environmental needs of the species. These are some of the elements I’ve chosen to
highlight and refer to throughout. I will also be referring to ex-situ (inside their natural habitat) and
1
Anon, (2018). [online] Collins Dictionary. Available at: https://www.collinsdictionary.com/
[Accessed 15 Feb. 2018].
2
BBC Timelines. (2018). The story of British zoos. [online] Available at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/timelines/z2njq6f [Accessed 15 Feb. 2018].
3
Zoo Licensing Act. (1981). Chapter 37.
2
Evaluate this statement: ‘Zoos are beneficial in the conservation of animals’.
in-situ (outside their natural habitat) conservation and evaluating the success of each conservation
type.
Reactions to Zoos
The co-founders of the Animals in Philosophy, Politics, Law and Ethics research initiative at Queen's
University, 4Sue Donaldson and Will Kymlicka (2016) stated ‘the scale of deprivation involved in their
captivity – the loneliness, the boredom, the mind-numbing sterility – is terrible to contemplate’.
Even though measures such as the UK Zoo Licencing Act exist, we can see that this applies to all zoos
in this context. It is made clear that zoos are foremost education. This education is toward human
experience enjoyment rather than aiding conservation efforts. Kymlicka makes the point that
captivity is steering away from entertainment with the growing unease of the population on the
disregard for the animals. If the only way for creatures to survive is through living in these restrictive
conditions, would it be worth conserving them at all? This is an argument against ex-situ
conservation. It seems most published articles hold negative ideas on zoos. 5Rachel Hartigan Shea
(2004) mentioned many animal welfare advocates believe ‘that zoos, even those with scientific and
educational aims, exploit animals by keeping them in captivity and exhibiting them to the public’.
Zoos buy, trade, borrow, loan and breed animals as well as conducting scientific research on them.
Even though animals may have large areas of land and the care of vets, they have no freedom in
these programmes. This is exploitation of the animals. Referring to my question, the captivity seems
to restrict conservation this enclosed area as the sustainability of this is not appropriate to long-term
caring for the animals. More realistic ex-situ conservation of animals can be brought though
processes such as Safaris which try to limit human intervention and protected areas. However,
funding is needed for this and is therefore reliant on humans and their approval of the programme.
Guides must also be able to tranquilise animals if they think that there is potential for danger from
the animals – disregarding animal welfare. But to a certain extent, ex-situ zoos are beneficial in
conservation; the animals are kept alive and have the potential for reintroduction, however, many
are uneasy with ex-situ conservation as having animals in cages doesn’t appear to be helping
conservation.
Tom Regan, a moral philosopher, 6explores different philosophical reactions to zoos in his article ‘Are
Zoos Morally Defensible’. He uses the ethical theory of holism to justify the captivity of animals.
Holists take the view that life and land must warrant equal moral concern and we are all members of
the same biotic team. Regan (2014) provides an example where holists would justify the killing of
fur-bearing mammals for human use if this was in moderation and had no huge impact on the
ecosystem. Applying this view to zoos, Regan states ‘there is nothing wrong with keeping wild
animals in permanent confinement if doing so is good for the larger life community’. Zoos contribute
4
Donaldson, S. and Kymlicka, W. (2018). Zoos and circuses: The wrong kind of education about
animals. [online] The Globe and Mail. Available at: https://beta.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/zoosand-circuses-the-wrong-kind-of-education-aboutanimals/article29905445/?ref=http://www.theglobeandmail.com& [Last accessed 19 Oct. 2017].
5
Shea, R. (2018). Are Wildlife Sanctuaries Good for Animals?. [online] National Geographic. Available
at: https://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/03/140320-animal-sanctuary-wildlife-exotictiger-zoo/ [Last accessed 19 Oct. 2017].
6
Regan, T. (2018). Are Zoos Morally Defensible. [PDF] Available at: http://tomregan.free.fr/TomRegan-Are-Zoos-Morally-Defensible.pdf [Last accessed 28 Feb. 2018].
3
Evaluate this statement: ‘Zoos are beneficial in the conservation of animals’.
large amounts in tax and provide humans with a leisure area, therefore, human activities have the
greatest impact on the life balance. The centres which please them and provide money for in-situ
conservation should be allowed. Therefore, with a holistic view, zoos are beneficial, and this can be
stated towards conservation too. On the other hand, someone supporting a ‘Right’s View’ would
argue the opposite as animals should have the right of freedom and are entitled to live a life outside
of confinement. Zoos would not be beneficial as they are violating animal rights as they are not
aiming towards conservation. This view seems a little inadequate as; if conservation efforts can
achieve a sustainable population, animals will be able to achieve a natural, self-fulfilling life.
Zoos and Education
The educational aims in zoos, although criticised for focusing more on humans than animals, are
beneficial towards conservation efforts and are often commended among the public. Captivity can
lead to a poor quality of life for the animal, but many zoos are aiding conservation efforts in in-situ
settings and educating people on what they can do or change every day to help conserve species
diversity.
Education and research are being used to try to conserve the White Rhino. The White Rhino
(poached for its horn) is extinct in conservation status - the last rhinos include two females in
captivity. These will not be put in in-situ conservation as species growth is now impossible naturally.
7
Artificial insemination was tried with no benefit (Callaway, 2016). A group of scientists in San Diego
Zoo Global in California and the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research in Berlin are using
Stem Cell research to try maintain this species and hopefully bringing it back in the future. The
process has cost over one million USD and was reliant on two Rhinos, a mother and son, both over
the average breeding age. The procedure used has been successful in creatures such as mice but has
yet to hold success for this targeted species. Research is being used to conserve scientifically and
education in the zoo is used to encourage visitors to donate towards this cause. The aim is to create
a self-sustaining population of white rhinos. The method is complex but viable. The rhinos remaining
in captivity, undergoing ex-situ conservation, provoke the public to donate to the stem cell research
with White Rhino embryos. This means that zoos can potentially benefit scientific conservation
however the proof in this example is lacking as no results are evident. Therefore, we cannot
conclude the zoos are benefitting conservation as the animals are almost wholly extinct.
Blank Park Zoo in Iowa, USA is an example of a zoo which educates the community on what they can
do to help conservation efforts. 8An example of this is the butterfly garden project which they
devised called ‘Plant. Grow. Fly’. Butterflies are pollinators which therefore have a feedback (positive
or negative depending on the growth or decline of the butterfly). The zoo has created a plant grow
fly website which helps in planting grasses and flowers which butterflies, and bees need the most.
Using a sign in your garden also is recommended; it lets friends and a family know what the garden
is about and encourages these people to do help with conservation as well. The project is scalable
from pot sized to field sized, so everyone can get involved. The garden created can then be
registered online and added to the map of butterfly gardens and photo gallery. This shows Blank
7
Callaway, E. (2016). Stem-cell plan aims to bring rhino back from brink of extinction. [online]
Available at: https://www.nature.com/news/stem-cell-plan-aims-to-bring-rhino-back-from-brink-ofextinction-1.19849 [Last accessed 17 Feb. 2018].
8
Blankparkzoo.com. (2018). Conservation | Blank Park Zoo. [online] Available at:
https://www.blankparkzoo.com/conservation/ [Last accessed 29 Nov. 2017].
4
Evaluate this statement: ‘Zoos are beneficial in the conservation of animals’.
Park Zoo being beneficial in the role of conservation as they have created an in-situ project in
converting parts of human lifestyle to accommodate these rare native butterflies. Showing
education from zoos creates a beneficial role in the conservation of animals such as these
pollinators.
Figure 1 – A map displaying the distribution of butterfly gardens across the USA
Each black dot refers to one butterfly garden. As we can see, most butterfly gardens are situated in
Iowa and become more concentrated nearer the state. However, Blank Park Zoo has worked to
make this a project for areas outside the Upper Midwest. Their website provides plenty of host
pollinator plants which can be applied to other areas and the species in that area. A link provided
shows local rare species in your area which would benefit from certain plants. The zoo is taking
measures before the rare pollinators become critically low in numbers. This clearly shows zoos being
beneficial in the conservation of animals. Education on what people can do out of the zoo is
beneficial in conservation.
Another example of a zoo programme, showing it to be beneficial in the conservation of animals was
the 9Californian Condor conservation program at ‘San Diego Zoo Global Wildlife Conservancy’.
Californian Condors were an endangered species that populated Los Angeles area and Mexico along
with other areas. In 1982, only twenty-two condors were left in the wild. This occurred through
habitat loss, poaching and lead poisoning. As condors feed on dead animals, they consumed the lead
bullets hunters use to kill game. This led to lead poisoning and death of the condor. The zoo used a
variety of strategies to conserve this species, the first being taking eggs from the mother’s nest –
encouraging the bird to lay more eggs. The eggs taken are then placed in an incubator in the zoo and
conserved with in-situ methods. However, measures are taken to ensure that the birds will be able
to be released into the hills again. This was done by playing adult condor sounds – surrounding the
chick and feeding the birds using a hand puppet, crafted to imitate a condor’s head and beak –
feeding the bird in the way they would be naturally fed. These are then released into California
where the condors live the rest of their life, with humans using radio telemetry, satellite GPS
telemetry and binoculars to monitor their status. Research from the zoo into the cause of death
9
Anon, (2018). California Condor | San Diego Zoo Animals & Plants. [online] Available at:
http://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/california-condor [Last accessed 19 Feb. 2018].
5
Evaluate this statement: ‘Zoos are beneficial in the conservation of animals’.
(lead poisoning from bullets) has allowed the public to be educated on which bullets are best to use
when hunting animals improving the long-term conservation of the condors.
On the opposite side of this, Copenhagen Zoo made many headlines and hit the news due to their
10
culling ‘scandal’ within the zoo. A three-year-old giraffe, from the zoo, was fed to a lion in front of a
live audience. In regard to my question, this immediately makes me think that zoos cannot be
beneficial in conservation as this zoo was free to kill animals of the zoo to feed to other animals. This
caused 50,000 signatures on an online petition to stop the killing of innocent animals. This happens
zoos other than the one in Copenhagen. The Guardian stated that zoo’s globally, cull animals for a
variety of reasons. The most common reason is that the genes are already represented or the animal
cannot be sold on. It does not occur solely for feeding purposes. Zoos don’t have the resources to
care for every animal that is born in the zoo. The alternative is to use contraceptives; this is common
in America. This medication is often given in the food and can have detrimental side effects on the
animal’s organs. For example, renal and heart failure are higher in animals using contraceptives.
Elephants also have difficulty in restarting their reproductive cycle once removed from the
contraceptives. The options are limited in how zoos can control their small population: restriction of
breeding, contraception or culling. Zoos can give their animals to other zoos also, but if this certain
animal is in surplus, then this isn’t always possible. One person stated that ‘no one wants (or can
afford) to pay for an exponential increase in animal population in captivity, and decimating
populations through forced genetic bottle-necking is perverse’. This does not affect the ex-situ
conservation of animals as the culled animals are in surplus. An entire population cannot be held in
captivity, meaning that what is seen in zoos is not always reflective out of zoos in the wild. Regarding
Tom Regan’s point of holism, this would be acceptable as hunting is acceptable when
overpopulation occurs. 11Regan argued that this creates a divide between humans and animals; if
any species is in surplus it is humans but killing existing humans would be wholly outrageous.
Restricting breeding can cause behavioural difficulties with the animals. As human contraceptives
are used most widely as we agree this is best of our race, surely, we should use the same interest to
care for animals. This would have to have further scientific research to reduce the side effects and
problems facing them so far. Ethically, contraceptives would be most caring.
Zoos Worldwide and Conservation
Zoos worldwide have adopted the 12World Zoo Conservation Strategies (2015). The World
Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) released a guide to strategies for zoos to implement to
help conservation. They state they wish to assist in helping preserve the biodiversity of our
10
The Guardian. (2014). No joy in new pride - Copenhagen zoo defends culling lions. [online]
Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/26/copenhagen-zoo-culling-lions-nojoy-new-pride [Last accessed 18 Feb. 2018].
11
Regan, T. (2018). Are Zoos Morally Defensible. [PDF] Available at: http://tomregan.free.fr/TomRegan-Are-Zoos-Morally-Defensible.pdf [Last accessed 28 Feb. 2018].
12
Barongi, R., Bonner, J., Boyle, P., Burns, S., Byers, O., Dick, G., Dickie, L., Fisken, F., Gendron, S.,
Gray, J., Gusset, M., Hofer, H., Hunt, S., Luz, S. and Riger, P. (2018). Committing to Conservation: The
World Zoo and Aquarium Conservation Strategy. [PDF] Available at:
http://www.waza.org/files/webcontent/1.public_site/5.conservation/conservation_strategies/com
mitting_to_conservation/WAZA%20Conservation%20Strategy%202015_Portrait.pdf [Last accessed
29 Jan. 2018].
6
Evaluate this statement: ‘Zoos are beneficial in the conservation of animals’.
generation. Not all zoos have a WAZA membership, however, without it, quality inspections of a
global standard cannot be undergone. In addition to this, tourists are more likely to visit the zoo if
they know it is more ethical regarding the captive animal’s state, the proceeds look at the bigger
picture of conservation – of in-situ conservation and reintroducing endangered animals to the wild.
The zoo experience will also be research-based and educational. Zoos will include education of what
the visitors can do to help conservation (like Blank Park Zoo).
Figure 2 - A Houston Zoo display, promoting Gorilla conservation
An example WAZA provided was from Houston Zoo in Texas, USA. The aim of the display was to
reduce Coltan mining by educating visitors on where electronic components derive from and how
recycling a phone prolongs the life of usable phones decreasing the need for mining. The site of
mining is in the Dominican Republic near a prime Gorilla habitat. Recycling phones can hugely help
gorilla conservation efforts. The zoo created a display on this issue, shown in Figure 2.
In addition to this, WAZA has clearly published their aims beyond what zoos are doing not to help
this improve. These are published as strategic goals for the process of conserving one species at a
time. The first goals such as address the causes of biodiversity loss is one of the easiest to combat,
however as we progress in viewing these goals, the more ambitious they become. For example, safeguarding eco-systems, enhancing benefits from all biodiversity and ecosystem services and
enhancing knowledge leaves the association with the prospect of continual growth – always
providing direction in zoos, whether that be an area to maintain or improve upon.
The European Community Zoo directive added on the ideas of the global standards by ensuring zoos
must make contributions towards conservation. Although these measures are in place, not all zoos
worldwide are up to this standard. Zoos with a WAZA membership have higher standards of animal
welfare. This can be taken away at any point. For example, 13Giza Zoo in Egypt lost its membership in
2004. The zoo did not pay membership fees, and then ignored the recommendations of WAZA
inspectors. The zoo was lacking in conservation efforts, enough space for the animals and exercising
these animals. The zoo hosts many endangered species; however, the treatment of these animals is
13
Redorbit. (2008). Changes Underway At Giza Zoo. [online] Available at:
http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1517301/changes_underway_at_giza_zoo/ [Last accessed
28 Feb. 2018].
7
Evaluate this statement: ‘Zoos are beneficial in the conservation of animals’.
poor and seem to promote no in-situ conservation. Species are not helped to develop character
traits for them to successfully be reintroduced into the wild. Zoos such as these ones replicate the
early development of zoos as described in early England. No conservation efforts are undergone,
and they are primarily a business. The proceeds have no impact on education, research and
conservation. These are required factors in European zoos. Giza Zoo is now a member of the African
Association of Zoos and Aquaria and aims to become part of WAZA again.
Zoos are much more beneficial in conservation if they are affiliates of associations such as WAZA as
specific criteria must be met and conservation is continually improving. Outside of these the poor
treatment of animals and lack of direction make zoos a cruel and unproductive place. Not having a
set of standards in place can lead to the death of animals as the owners are uneducated or do not
have compassion for the animals. Zoos worldwide are contributing towards conservation but equally
some zoos aren’t. In the UK we have the 14Zoo Act which all zoos must abide by however such
documents are not present in other countries, so they can have zoos purely for tourism without the
aims that many European zoos must abide by. Zoos are more likely to be successful as members of
WAZA or other associations similar. As countries develop further, they are more likely to implement
strategies and requirements in zoos – as the UK has.
Favourable Animals and Conservation
It is without a doubt that zoos can be beneficial in conservation (such as Blank Park Zoo and
members of WAZA). However, within the book 15Beyond the ark (Williams et al. 2008), a group of
zoologist and conservation experts questioned if zoos were conserving correctly and making the
right decisions in the species they choose to conserve. Captive breeding within the zoo should be
focused on small-bodied species for reasons of a higher breeding success rate and being cost
efficient for the zoo. Along with this, this article proved that smaller animals would have a higher
success rate of introduction. Before this research surfaced, zoos tended to keep a disproportionate
number of large animals (mammals) along with breeding and preserving the animals with limited
prospects of reintroduction.
The study of the Giant Panda is controversial regarding conservation because of this. 16The Giant
Panda population was widely distributed across China before habitat destruction of the Giant
Pandas occurred. The lack of forest, in addition to the poaching of these animals, made a decline of
their population. The bamboo flowering period (of about 40-120 years) often provides issues for
Giant Pandas as when the bamboo flowers, pandas cannot eat it. Pandas also have a very low
reproductive rate; with a unique piled like ovarian structure, the giant panda cannot release eggs
one by one giving it a short gestation period as well as fertilized-egg implantation being delayed.
Male Giant Pandas have reproductive defects too, such as a low sperm count. When cubs are born
they will often be a twin or triplet (due to eggs clumping in the ovary), this leads to a high cub
mortality as the mother often only feeds one and abandons the others. In captivity breeding is often
14
Zoo Licensing Act. (1981). Chapter 37.
15
Williams, N., Balmford, A., Linkie, M., Mace, G., Smith, R., Stevenson, M., Walter, O., West, C. and
Zimmermann, A. (2014). Beyond the ark: conservation biologists’ views of the achievements of zoos
in conservation. Chapter 16.
16
Dell’Amore, C. (2018). Giant Pandas, Symbol of Conservation, Are No Longer Endangered. [online]
National Geographic. Available at: https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/09/pandasvulnerable-endangered-species/ [Last accessed 29 Nov. 2017].
8
Evaluate this statement: ‘Zoos are beneficial in the conservation of animals’.
harder; stress levels are high, the animals are lonely and there isn’t enough space for them. Late
sexual maturity, low reproductive rate and high cub mortality do also contribute. In captivity, the
age of sexual maturity of female giant pandas is generally 5.5-6.5 years and for males, it is slightly
older. Natural enemies preying on weak pandas and diseases are also factors in decreasing panda
population.
Between 1970 and 1980 the number of pandas had dropped to 1000 but due to huge conservation
efforts the latest 2014 census counts it at 1864. These are found in China in six small areas (the
Qinling, Minshan, Qionglai, Big Xiangling, Small Xiangling and Liangshan Mountains). The
conservation of these pandas was not easy though and came with a lot of funding and research.
However, pandas are continually supported by humans and would not survive long-term without
their intervention. As well as this the motive behind conserving these pandas is not entirely
wholesome as the Chinese government generate huge amounts of money by renting their Giant
Pandas for up to one million USD per year. Along with this, any cub (which is born of a rented Giant
panda) comes with a fee of 17$400,000 USD and must be returned at the age of three. The spending
of this money is not published however, some may be invested into conservation.
The larger the animal, the larger the habitat it requires. This meant that the habitat loss surrounding
the Panda was detrimental in effects. Conserving the panda required huge funding to restore this
ground. In addition to this, the distribution of bamboo and the seasonality is being considered by
scientists (for example, ensuring bamboo plants with a range of ages are present in the ecosystem)
as improving this can ensure pandas access the quantity of food that they need to survive. Other
conservation strategies are encompassed by organisations such as WWF (which is a long-term
partner with China and aiding the conservation of the Giant Panda) and the aim of reintroducing the
captive-bred pandas into the wild. Reintroduction is aimed to be done by helping pandas develop
the characteristics they need to survive in the wild. An example of the way captive animals are
taught to do this is through the earlier example of the Californian condor chicks being fed with an
adult condor head puppet along with being surrounded by the noises they would experience during
ex-situ conservation. Giant Pandas have become the face of conservation and have encouraged
donations and caring for the conservation of biodiversity – due to the huge amount of love directed
towards them. They act as a global symbol that we can save the wildlife on the earth. This concludes
that this effort was not wasted, however, zoos should also be focusing on the other organisms that
are much more attainable to conserve.
Zoos are beneficial in the conservation of Giant Pandas – providing money and research for the
process. However, it is arguable that zoos could be much more beneficial in conservation than
increasing the population of pandas. Pandas are very difficult to conserve, and other organisms are
much easier to conserve. As I previously stated, smaller animals are easier to conserve and have a
higher population in the wild. Along with this, there are a higher proportion of threatened nonmammals in the wild than the proportion of threatened mammals. In zoos, the predominantly
displayed themes and animals are the large mammals, however, what isn’t supported to as high of a
standard is the birds, reptiles, molluscs, fish, insects and crustaceans in conservation.
17
Dell’Amore, C. (2018). Giant Pandas, Symbol of Conservation, Are No Longer Endangered. [online]
National Geographic. Available at: https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/09/pandasvulnerable-endangered-species/ [Last accessed 29 Nov. 2017].
9
Evaluate this statement: ‘Zoos are beneficial in the conservation of animals’.
Figure 3 - A graph to show the conservation programmes for threatened species
These are animals too, yet the zoo could be seen as not beneficial in the conservation of this
spectrum. The graph above shows the proportion of the threatened species in each animal group
and the captive programs (which ultimately aim to improve the proportion in the wild) which are
being undergone to help this issue. Some may think these animals may not be as interesting, but it is
critical that we conserve these as we conserve others as they are just as important in the ecosystem.
These animals can also have major improvements in conservation for a smaller expense than
conserving animals such as the Giant Panda. Smaller animals would save money on land for the zoos
and would be easier to take care of. The example of the 18Partula Snail shows molluscs being
successfully reintroduced into the wild. This mollusc had suffered no habitat loss, the reason for it
being endangered was due to predation of the carnivorous rosy wolf snail. The snail was declared
extinct; however, several international zoos had taken it in, including London Zoo. These zoos
conducted a breeding programme in which all snails can be reintroduced into predator-free reserve
and then into the original habitat. This rehabilitation took four years (2014-2018). This is a drastic
difference to the much lengthier, expensive process of conserving larger animals such as the Giant
Panda.
Favourable animal conservation efforts (typically these are larger mammals) can cause more public
interest but for zoos to be holistically beneficial in the conservation of animals, zoos must be
conserving a representative proportion of each different family group. This is an area even the most
forward-thinking zoos need to contribute more towards.
The Reach of Zoos
A successful thriving zoo will have thousands of visitors annually more than 19700 million people visit
zoos and aquariums worldwide (according to WAZA with regional and national zoos). As I mentioned
18
Zoological Society of London (ZSL). (2018). Partula snail conservation programme. [online]
Available at: https://www.zsl.org/conservation/regions/oceania/partula-snail-conservationprogramme [Last accessed 24 Feb. 2018].
19
Gusset, M. and Dick, G. (2010). The global reach of zoos and aquariums in visitor numbers and
conservation expenditures. [online] Wiley Online Library. Available at:
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/zoo.20369/full [Last accessed 1 Dec. 2017].
10
Evaluate this statement: ‘Zoos are beneficial in the conservation of animals’.
previously, certain animals are more favourable than others – so the financial balance for these
animals is much higher. A study was done at Zoo Atlanta where the investigator predicted that
20
‘visitors who had an interactive experience with the zoo's elephant demonstration and the bio-fact
program would be more likely to actively support elephant conservation than those who simply
viewed the animals in their exhibit and read graphics’ (Swanagan, 2010). The investigation was
carried out with surveys among zoo visitors and the result supported the investigator’s hypothesis.
The result of this and other such ideas has led to the development of the psychological effects of
zoos on zoo visitors. Zoos concerned with conservation are trying to craft the zoo experience to aid
this goal. A local example is Tropical World in Leeds, England. The centre will often allow interactions
with the creatures, such as holding snakes and often having butterflies land on you in the butterfly
garden. This means the experience will be memorable so the education that went along with this
experience is more likely to be memorable allowing the message of conservation to be prevalent.
WAZA stated ‘zoos and aquariums are trusted voices for conservation, and are able to engage and
empower visitors, communities and staff measurably to save wildlife’ (2015). WAZA recognises zoos
are the means for conservation and the education and funds they provide drive conservation efforts.
Specifically, regarding visitors, it is believed, that ‘the more that is learned about visitors and how to
influence them, the more effective zoological facilities will be at saving wildlife and wild places;
especially if positive messages are used to link conservation to what people can do themselves to
make a difference’. This makes sense as conservation can be done at a local scale as realised through
the ‘Plant. Grow. Fly.’ Programme and the recycling of mobile phones to help maintain and
introduce habitat. Zoos are beneficial in conservation when visitors are funding the conservation
efforts and learning what they can do on a local scale.
Though with great impacts on conservation through the zoo experience, 21‘huge amounts of money
simplistic aim of modern zoos are to attract hordes of visitors to whom they offer nonorganic, nonfair-trade, non-free-range food items’ (Hancocks, 2007). This means that the zoos provide the
visitors with unethical, cheap merchandise in order to make as much money as possible. Selling
products that do not support the zoological message and potentially supporting the destruction of
habitat for material production is an area zoos need to work on for conservation and educating their
visitors on the power of consumerism. ‘Make wise consumer choices that have a direct impact on
wild animals and wild places’ is recognised by one of the six steps to achieve environmental change
by behaviour change. Other such steps as recycling, donating, volunteering, and being an advocate
for conservation are all part of what visitors can use in their life to maintain our biodiversity. Zoos
are beneficial in conservation if they implement these ideas onto their visitors and use fair-trade
organic items. The ethical principles in consumerism must be meant to ensure conservation is being
met – as without using these fair organisations we cannot be sure of habitat destruction not
occurring or other standards being met.
20
Swanagan, J. (2010). Factors Influencing Zoo Visitors' Conservation Attitudes and Behavior. [online]
Taylor & Francis Online. Available at:
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00958960009598648 [Last accessed 1 Dec. 2017].
21
Hancocks, D. (2007). The Future and Ethics of Zoos. [PDF] Available at:
http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download;jsessionid=387B49B2AB2EC888ADBDDE6FDCCF66CF
?doi=10.1.1.611.9456&rep=rep1&type=pdf [Last accessed 29 Jan. 2018].
11
Evaluate this statement: ‘Zoos are beneficial in the conservation of animals’.
Conclusion
Overall, it is hard to say whether zoos are beneficial in conservation because no two zoos are the
same. Some zoos such as San Diego zoo create huge efforts in conserving wildlife and running
project to help educate the public on what they can do to help. This zoo is also a research hub, for
example, the stem cell research mentioned for the white Rhino. On the other hand, other zoos such
as Giza Zoo are backward in their approach to zoos. These zoos use them as a business of tourism
with no regard to animal welfare in or out of the zoo. Zoos are more beneficial in conservation if
they are linked to a world-renowned association such as WAZA. These have specific criteria which
must be met in regard to conservation – giving clear routes of growth in ex-situ and in-situ
conservation. Along with providing clear guidelines on how the zoo can continually flourish. Zoos are
often more beneficial to the conservation of certain animals than others. This is evident in the huge
amounts of projects directed at large mammals such as polar bears and neglecting certain
endangered species (such as types of fish). So, zoos do have room for improvement of making the
conservation programmes representative of animals in the wild – this would make the more
beneficial holistically. Conserving smaller endangered animals is often cheaper and better for
reintroduction. Making zoos focus more on this would make zoos more successful in their aims.
There are many successful zoos in conservation – but these can all be improved in some way
through visitor education or the representation of animals. Some minimally contribute towards
conservation whereas others contribute more. Zoo acts (such as the UK Zoo Act) can greatly improve
it as certain aspects such as conservation are necessary for the zoo to run in the country. Lower
income countries with legal systems not addressing these are likely to have zoos not meeting the
conservation needs of this world and fewer zoos affiliated with organisations such as WAZA.
Therefore, in conclusion, zoos can be beneficial in conservation in some circumstances as long as
they are actively contributing to this cause.
Bibliography
References
Anon, (2018). California Condor | San Diego Zoo Animals & Plants. [online] Available at:
http://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/california-condor [Last accessed 19 Feb. 2018].
Anon, (2018). [online] Collins Dictionary. Available at: https://www.collinsdictionary.com/ [Accessed
15 Feb. 2018].
Barongi, R., Bonner, J., Boyle, P., Burns, S., Byers, O., Dick, G., Dickie, L., Fisken, F., Gendron, S., Gray,
J., Gusset, M., Hofer, H., Hunt, S., Luz, S. and Riger, P. (2018). Committing to Conservation: The World
Zoo and Aquarium Conservation Strategy. [PDF] Available at:
http://www.waza.org/files/webcontent/1.public_site/5.conservation/conservation_strategies/com
mitting_to_conservation/WAZA%20Conservation%20Strategy%202015_Portrait.pdf [Last accessed
29 Jan. 2018].
Bartleby. (2018). A Criticism of Tom Regan's Argument. [online] Available at:
https://www.bartleby.com/essay/A-Criticism-of-Tom-Regans-Argument-P3NXY6FBZ6PS [Last
accessed 14 Feb. 2018].
BBC Timelines. (2018). The story of British zoos. [online] Available at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/timelines/z2njq6f [Last accessed 15 Feb. 2018].
Bickle, R. (2018). Saving Animals with Blank Park Zoo. [podcast] Blank Park Zoo. Available at:
https://player.fm/series/saving-animals-with-blank-park-zoo [Last accessed 29 Nov. 2017].
12
Evaluate this statement: ‘Zoos are beneficial in the conservation of animals’.
Blankparkzoo.com. (2018). Conservation | Blank Park Zoo. [online] Available at:
https://www.blankparkzoo.com/conservation/ [Last accessed 29 Nov. 2017].
Callaway, E. (2016). Stem-cell plan aims to bring rhino back from brink of extinction. [online]
Available at: https://www.nature.com/news/stem-cell-plan-aims-to-bring-rhino-back-from-brink-ofextinction-1.19849 [Last accessed 17 Feb. 2018].
Dell’Amore, C. (2018). Giant Pandas, Symbol of Conservation, Are No Longer Endangered. [online]
National Geographic. Available at: https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/09/pandasvulnerable-endangered-species/ [Last accessed 29 Nov. 2017].
Donaldson, S. and Kymlicka, W. (2018). Zoos and circuses: The wrong kind of education about
animals. [online] The Globe and Mail. Available at: https://beta.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/zoosand-circuses-the-wrong-kind-of-education-aboutanimals/article29905445/?ref=http://www.theglobeandmail.com& [Last accessed 19 Oct. 2017].
FA, J., Funk, S. and O'Connell, D. (2012). Zoo Conservation Biology.
Gusset, M. and Dick, G. (2010). The global reach of zoos and aquariums in visitor numbers and
conservation expenditures. [online] Wiley Online Library. Available at:
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/zoo.20369/full [Last accessed 1 Dec. 2017].
Hancocks, D. (2007). The Future and Ethics of Zoos. [PDF] Available at:
http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download;jsessionid=387B49B2AB2EC888ADBDDE6FDCCF66CF
?doi=10.1.1.611.9456&rep=rep1&type=pdf [Last accessed 29 Jan. 2018].
Peng, J., Jiang, Z. and Hu, J. (2001). Status and conservation of giant panda (Ailuropoda
melanoleuca): a review. [PDF] Available at:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Zhigang_Jiang5/publication/260794984_Status_and_conserv
ation_of_giant_panda_Ailuropoda_melanoleuca_A_review/links/5886ae204585150dde4ab175/Stat
us-and-conservation-of-giant-panda-Ailuropoda-melanoleuca-A-review [Last accessed 23 Jan. 2018].
Redorbit. (2008). Changes Underway At Giza Zoo. [online] Available at:
http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1517301/changes_underway_at_giza_zoo/ [Last accessed
28 Feb. 2018].
Regan, T. (2018). Are Zoos Morally Defensible. [PDF] Available at: http://tomregan.free.fr/TomRegan-Are-Zoos-Morally-Defensible.pdf [Last accessed 28 Feb. 2018].
Shea, R. (2018). Are Wildlife Sanctuaries Good for Animals?. [online] National Geographic. Available
at: https://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/03/140320-animal-sanctuary-wildlife-exotictiger-zoo/ [Last accessed 19 Oct. 2017].
Should We Close Our Zoos?. (2016). [documentary] Directed by T. Quinn. BBC Horizon.
Swanagan, J. (2010). Factors Influencing Zoo Visitors' Conservation Attitudes and Behavior. [online]
Taylor & Francis Online. Available at:
http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00958960009598648 [Last accessed 1 Dec. 2017].
The Guardian. (2014). No joy in new pride - Copenhagen zoo defends culling lions. [online] Available
at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/mar/26/copenhagen-zoo-culling-lions-no-joy-newpride [Last accessed 18 Feb. 2018].
13
Evaluate this statement: ‘Zoos are beneficial in the conservation of animals’.
Williams, N., Balmford, A., Linkie, M., Mace, G., Smith, R., Stevenson, M., Walter, O., West, C. and
Zimmermann, A. (2014). Beyond the ark: conservation biologists’ views of the achievements of zoos
in conservation. Chapter 16.
Zoo Licensing Act. (1981). Chapter 37.
Zoological Society of London (ZSL). (2018). Partula snail conservation programme. [online] Available
at: https://www.zsl.org/conservation/regions/oceania/partula-snail-conservation-programme [Last
accessed 24 Feb. 2018].
Figure References
Front page panda Red Panda Network (2018). Giant Panda Eating Bamboo. [image] Available at:
https://redpandanetwork.org/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/GiantPandaEatingBamboo300x199.jpg [Last accessed 15 Feb. 2018].
Figure 1 Blank Park Zoo (2018). [image] Available at:
https://www.blankparkzoo.com/conservation/plantgrowfly/mapofgardens/ [Last accessed 20 Feb.
2018].
Figure 2 World Aquarium and Zoo Association (2018). [image] Available at:
http://www.waza.org/files/webcontent/1.public_site/5.conservation/conservation_strategies/com
mitting_to_conservation/WAZA%20Conservation%20Strategy%202015_Portrait.pdf [Last accessed
29 Jan. 2018].
Figure 3 Williams, N., Balmford, A., Linkie, M., Mace, G., Smith, R., Stevenson, M., Walter, O., West, C. and
Zimmermann, A. (2018). Bar Chart of Conservation Programmes. [image] Available at:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Alexandra_Zimmermann/publication/236679156_Beyond_th
e_ark_conservation_biologists'_views_of_the_achievements_of_zoos_in_conservation/links/544a0
be20cf244fe9ea6213c.pdf [Last accessed 23 Jan. 2018].
14