The Controversy of Zoos

In the world of zoos, there are many instances of controversy between animal rights activists and the zoos them selves.  Although most zoos are humane and take good care of their animals, some zookeepers are inexperienced and abuse animals without knowing it.   I believe that zoos should only  hire zookeepers who are experienced and have a passion for taking care of wild and endangered animals.  Also on the board of controversy is the keeping of elephants in zoos.  Animal rights activists say that elephants, nomadic animals when in the wild, are being repressed in their pens due to the lack of space they are given to walk about.  The animals can develop chronic leg and foot injuries from standing around all day.  Although there are some instances of similar injuries in zoos, for the most part, i believe that all of the animals are well taken care of and that they have large amounts of stimulation, both mentally and physically. 

The History of Zoos

Before public zoos, royalty kept small numbers of exotic animals in their homes. These wild animals were for the royal’s entertainment and to show the rulers social status. In early Egypt,Pharaohs housed large and powerful animals, such as bears and elephants, in menageries,or indoor zoos.  Queen Hatshepsut of Egypt was rumored to own baboons that she had acquired along with myrrh saplings.  More modern zoos, however, often began as a small .personal collections owned by wealthy members of society.  These collections were shown to guests who later believed that the beautiful animals should be shared with the public.  Many animal rights activists disagree with keeping animals on public display, claiming that the animals’ life spans are shorter in captivity and that the animals have no stimulation to keep them entertained.  Although I do not necessarily agree with these opinions, I do believe that we should try to make life more exciting and eventful for the animals that live in our zoos.