CAPTIVITY & ENTERTAINMENT
Zoos are also referred to as zoological gardens, zoological parks, or animal parks. Menageries and roadside zoos should be banned in all countries. The crowded, inhumane housing and ill treatment of menagerie animals is neither educational nor beneficial to any animal/s or people.
Zoos were established in ancient Egypt, ancient China, and the lands within the ancient Roman Empire. The ancient Greeks erected zoos primarily for learning purposes; they were well ahead of their time. The Sumerians collected rare animals.
In 1828, the Zoological Society of London founded the famed zoological garden (later known as the London Zoo) in Regents Park, London.
Presently, the London Zoo includes some 650 animal species. Over 100 of these species are threatened.
Ideally, zoos are places where people can see exotic wildlife in the flesh, impossible to do so by many of us.
Animals from around the world, many from exotic places are enjoyable to see. For children, this can be a good introduction to the study of animals for later in life. A good zoo is an interesting and fun place to visit.
Seeing wildlife on television, in books, on the internet, or in magazines or journals is good, but nothing beats real life viewing.
Zoo animals must receive correct quantities and types of food, adequate water supply, enrichment activities (also toys ifapplicable), veterinary care, and must not feel a need to flee or be subjected to harassment by a stronger animal within its enclosure or by zoo patrons.
Seeing animals in real life is a good step in convincing the general public of the importance of conservation.
The Bronx Zoo, Denver Zoo, Lincoln Park Zoo, Smithsonian's National Zoo, Oregon Zoo, Indianapolis Zoo (The Indianapolis Prize), Columbus Zoo & Aquarium (Currently has over 70 wildlife conservation projects); there are many other zoos that aid in wildlife conservation.
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums helps its accredited zoos to increase and improve their conservation strategies. Although some animal species find it hard to breed in captivity, most animal species can breed in zoos. This is a boost for animals that are endangered. Endangered animal species need to be protected and isolated in order to reproduce.
Reintroduction programs are the ultimate aim. Every animal that dies in an accredited zoo undergoes a necropsy (animal autopsy).
There are many horrible zoos and roadside menageries around the world including the Belgrade Zoo, zoos in Romania, Kabul Zoo (animals have received terrible treatment including a hand grenade thrown at a lion named Marjan); patrons at this zoo have been documented throwing objects and taunting the zoo animals. Zoo workers therein either don't care or can't do anything about the harassment.
Although there are many conservation-minded zoos, there's still much more work to be done. Countless species are endangered, threatened, or vulnerable. Not to mention, the species that have become extinct as a result of humanity's cold- blooded hands.
Henry 111 kept a large collection of antelopes. Antelopes are jumpy by nature.
Just under 3500 years ago ancient Egyptians were able to see animals brought back by soldiers from far off places, in gardens. We owe Queen Hatshepsut for her genius in ordering this venture.
Five hundred years later (1000 B.C.), Emperor Wen Wang ordered the formation of the first imperial zoo which was to be called 'the Garden of Intelligence". Although the animals in the garden were initially to be seen only by the royal family, Emperor Wang's insight has helped in the overall formation of modern day zoos. Nothing this big occurs instantaneously.
Many zoos have evolved from archaic, bare, concrete enclosures, to simulations of natural habitats.
An abbreviated list of zoo jobs includes: zoo director, assistant director, veterinarian, veterinary nurse, food service and nutritionist, general curator, head of finance, conservation biologist, custodian, maintenance, security, merchandise sales, ticket booth attendant, parking lot attendant, tour guide, and visitor assistance workers. Zoos with aquariums offer additional jobs.
Animal enclosures must be temperature regulated (if indoors), must have correct flight distance (for prey animals), correct habitat (natural or simulated), effective barrier, clean, free of diseased animals, correct architecture, resting place (if applicable), and play area (if applicable).
Zoo keepers act as surrogates for zoo animals. Human incubators are used in some zoos. Zoo nurseries must always be cleaned after each use.
Veterinarian/s, medical care and an animal dietician/s are necessary for every zoo. Larger zoos need more of each.
Animals are cordoned off or restrained in a variety of enclosure shapes, sizes, and structures in (zoos, roadside menageries, mascots, and circuses), laboratories (biomedical, pharmaceutical, academic institutions), private collections, homes, enclosed yards, aquariums, pits, tree dogs, park, reserves and game parks.
Totally free-roaming wildlife is good in theory but this phenomenon is becoming more and more difficult to see. Wildlife borders and parameters are drawn up by humans, not by animals. Even polar bears, who trek vast distances in the circumpolar region can't escape the long arm of humanity.
For many of us zoos are the closest and most convenient places to see wildlife in the flesh. "Comprehensive zoos" may contain a wide variety of animals from the area and from around the world, insects and plants.
The age of European colonialism and vast exploration enabled the importation of countless animal species and individuals. European zoos were turned into animal exhibitions.
Initially members of the upper classes were the main patrons, but later on ordinary citizens were able to visit zoos.
On a positive note, Przewalski's horse breeding in zoos helped to stop this horse breed from becoming extinct. There are currently 1100 of these horses in zoos worldwide.
There were cases of indigenous peoples being incarcerated inside zoo cages with concrete floors and iron bars.
A case in point was Ota Benga, an African pygmy, was displayed in the Bronx Zoo's Monkey House. Thankfully, public outrage made this a short lived display.
Aquariums also known as seaquariums may contain marine mammals (performing or non-performing), fish species (may include sharks), turtles, reptiles, and manatees.
Marine mammals should not be forced to perform unnatural acts; especially when the training involves deprivation of food deprivation or when severe coercion is involved.
Seeing sea mammals, turtles, reptiles, and manatees up close may awaken patrons to the importance of these creatures and for their conservation. A portion of the proceeds can go to conservation projects.
Although many people find happiness and pleasure in going to seaquariums and seeing the creatures therein, there is another aspect to the housing of marine mammals in tiny, enclosed seaquariums.
Most attendees are unaware of a few important facts. They should be known prior to their trip to the seaquarium:
1. Cetaceans (whales and dolphins) that are in open waters spend hours every single day swimming long distances.
2. Seaquariums are tiny, concrete enclosures.
3. Orcas live in pods (groups) ranging in size from a few individuals to a few dozen.
4. Cetaceans in open waters dive deep into the ocean in search of food and to swim underwater. In seaquariums this action and the "food-search-drive" are obliterated.
5. Chlorine in seaquariums is both unnatural and can cause eye and skin problems for cetaceans. Furthermore, the water is unlike the waters they/d spend their natural lives in.
6. The act of breaching out of the water is limited due to the minute size of the enclosure.
7. Breeding problems often occur in seaquariums.
8. Cetaceans that are not performing tricks usually swim in circles (round and round).
9. Cetacean sonar in seaquariums is compromised. Full use of sonar requires open waters.
10. Fecal matter and urine may be present in the water.
There's nowhere to swim away to.
In 1970, an orca named Lolita was captured while when she was five years old in Puget Sound (near Washington State). At the time, Lolita was swimming with her pod. Lolita has spent four decades in a tiny seaquarium. She is presently in the Miami Seaquarium.
The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies is firmly opposed to housing cetaceans and polar bears in captivity.
Polar bears tread many miles a day in the circumpolar region in search of food and because it's a natural behaviour for them.
Elephants are social animals. They tread long distances every day and need to eat and drink incredible quantities to stay alive.
Elephants in zoos should not be placed inside concrete enclosures and they should be examined on a regular basis by a qualified individual, and should be fed well. Under no circumstances should an elephant in a zoo perform stereotyped behaviours. Any zoo animal seen performing any stereotyped action is in need of help.
Both polar bears and elephants are perhaps the most difficult animals to protect from mental and physical strain, including illnesses and stereotyped behaviours. Caring and qualified zoo workers are always needed for all animals.
The Malaysian sun bear (sleepy bear) is not considered an exciting animal to view by zoo patrons.
Elephants have been serving humans for thousands of years. Because they"re the largest terrestrial animal on earth they can pull, carry, push, or lift very heavy objects. Elephants have been used in wars, traction work and entertainment.
Elephants are good swimmers, surprisingly fast runners, but they can't hop or jump.
A cetacean that's released from a seaquarium must be healthy, able to feed itself, and must successfully enter a pod. A gradual re-introduction may be required._
During the 19th century greyhound dogs were used to destroy or to ward off coyotes. Greyhounds have very good vision (sight hounds) and can run up to 40 mph.
Thousands of greyhound racing dogs are killed or disposed of every year because they cannot make the grade or are genetically unsuitable to be professional race dogs. "Gambling monies" (legal and illegal), state profits, the public's ignorance of the hidden facts, and entertainment are big motives to keep this cruel industry going.
Incredible pressure from animal protectionist organizations, animal activists, and a major dip in profits has weakened the greyhound industry. Greyhound race tracks have been in use in the United States since 1920.
Greyhound dogs that can no longer race because they"re worn out or are injured must be disposed of; dumping (shelter, outdoors), sold to biomedical labs, die starvation; or are shot or beaten to death.
The very lucky greyhounds are adopted by a reputable agency.
Unfortunately, adoption levels don't come close to the actual numbers that are needed.
The Greyhound Association of America is a non-profit membership association that promotes responsible greyhound racing dog ownership and care.
As with most other issues pertaining to animal use, there are three viewpoints. One supports the use of animals for any and all purposes with little regard for animal welfare protections, while the other is adamantly against any and all use of animals. The two aforementioned viewpoints are the extremes of each side. However, many people are in the middle ground; they believe in animal use for needed purposes but with the minimum amount of harm to the animals whenever possible.
Regarding the extreme viewpoints, I"m sorry to say this but lying is something that's borderline prevalent in the animal use field. I"ve seen enough outright contradictory statements and statistics from the pro-use and the anti-use camps. I prefer to take the animal welfare approach, whenever possible. Some activities are inherently cruel (e.g. foie gras, animal fighting).
If there is to be dog racing, a good idea is to allow any dog/s from any breeds to run, regardless of speed. Let's make it fun. So long as no dog/s or people are hurt and there's no wagering things should work out okay. Wagering occurs when the race has serious overtones.
In this kind of dog racing people will come to the track to for fun and to see "fun-funny races". Toy dogs, giant dogs, fat dogs, and slim dogs can race against each other. If cats ever learn how to race I"d want them to race too.
The rodeo had its North American beginnings during the 18th century from the Spanish. Today, the vaqueros or cowboys/cowgirls are the human participants in rodeo events.
Events include bull riding (extremely dangerous), bareback riding, ladies" barrel racing, steer wrestling, saddle bronco riding, and tie roping. The clown has a very dangerous job too. Although he/she looks and acts funny the animal that he steers away is extremely dangerous.
The rodeo is a terrifying and unusual event for the animals involved. Bone fractures, bone breaks, internal injuries, maiming, and death can occur.
In horse tripping (usually in Mexican rodeos) the contestant's job is to trip the horse, bull, or steer. Horses are often injured, terrified, and can easily be maimed.
Cock fighting is a cruel blood sport. A pair of specially bred roosters square off in a tiny, enclosed ring or area. Naturally, there are many people surrounding them (spectators, betters, onlookers). One rooster must kill or seriously maim the other for the fight to end. Metallic spurs are usually attacked to the fighters" feet in order to cause horrific wounds on each of the opponents especially the loser.
Cockfighting is illegal in all 50 states. Unfortunately, this blood sport still occurs. The criminal element engulfs this sport. I pity any child who's taken to one of these fights by a trusted and loved adult.
The cruel sport of horse fighting is 500 years old. It's still practiced in parts of Asia. Kicking, biting, intimidating, pushing, and head butting are common behaviours.
The horses involved but definitely the loser is literally beaten to a pulp and massacred by his opponent. Incredible blood loss, torn flesh, and other injuries make the spectators joyous and think about their wagers too.
Both horses are placed in an inescapable enclosure. In addition, although both horses are supposed to be wild and vicious, a chicken or scaredy-cat horse is sometimes pitted up against a wild fighter just to see a massacre. There's no escape; no mercy, compassion, or love from the spectators. They want to see a gruesome match.
Wild animal mascots (WAMs) must endure incredibly high levels of noises, and bright and unnatural lighting. Not to mention hundreds or even thousands of rowdy humans nearby.
The game, whatever it is, confuses and causes the WAM confusion. Remember every single person in the entire arena, field, or court, belongs to a different species than the WAM.
WAMs are usually kept in tiny cages during the event.
Afterwards they"re sent back to "who knows where"? Then the WAM is re-used over and over again. The WAMs enclosure at the event and back to its home is most likely tiny and barren.
WAMs are extremely dangerous. There's always a possibility that one may accidentally escape its cage or an intoxicated or foolish person may try to touch it.
College ball games and events are for humans. The best, friendliest, safest, and most natural mascots are humans dressed in animal clothing". At least they know what's going on.