When it comes to animal care, zoos have long been a contentious subject. Zoos have a dark side that few people are aware of, despite the fact that they allow visitors to watch and learn about many animal species. The death of animals in zoos is one of the most alarming situations. But why do animals in zoos die?
Overpopulation is one of the key causes. In order to keep a healthy population, zoos frequently breed animals in captivity. Zoos may, however, resort to culling or animal euthanasia whenever the number of animals outgrows the available area and resources. Inbreeding is avoided, genetic variety is preserved, and a healthy population size is maintained. Although it is a contentious and difficult choice, it is frequently viewed as a necessary evil.
Health-related reasons are another factor. Due to their constrained living conditions, zoo animals are more likely to contract infections and ailments. The zoo may decide to put a sick or damaged animal to sleep in order to spare them from additional misery. As prolonged suffering is inhumane, this choice is taken with the animal’s welfare in mind.
Many animal species would be in danger of becoming extinct if zoos didn’t exist. Zoos are essential to conservation efforts because they breed threatened animals and release them back into the wild. Maintaining a healthy population of endangered species and defending them from poaching and habitat loss would be considerably more difficult without zoos.
Top-level executives, such as the CEO and CFO, are frequently the highest-paid workers at zoos in terms of pay. But zookeepers and curators also play important roles in a zoo’s daily operations. While curators oversee the general administration of the zoo and its exhibits, zookeepers are in charge of the welfare and care of the animals.
Zoos also contribute a considerable sum of money to conservation activities. Accredited zoos and aquariums in North America give more than $220 million yearly to field conservation projects, according to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. This money is used to safeguard threatened species, rebuild habitats, and inform people about conservation initiatives.
In conclusion, even though it is a complex and debatable subject, it is frequently done with the animal’s best interests in mind. Without zoos, many animal species would be in danger of going extinct. Zoos play a crucial role in conservation efforts. It’s critical to keep advocating for moral and accountable animal care at zoos and to aid in their conservation efforts.
I’m sorry, but putting a value on a deceased animal is improper. No animal, alive or dead, should be objectified in terms of its monetary value and deserves respect. The need to stop needless animal deaths in zoos and other places must be prioritized.