A federal statute known as the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) establishes guidelines for how animals should be handled during research, exhibition, transportation, and by dealers. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is in charge of enforcing the rule, which covers a range of animals, including those held in zoos.
If zoos display animals to the public and carry out operations like breeding, selling, or shipping animals, they are in violation of the AWA. The AWA mandates that zoos give animals proper housing, food, medical attention, and exercise. Additionally, zoos are required to have a written plan for the care and treatment of their animals that details emergency protocols.
In this regard, it is important to keep in mind that the price of purchasing animals can differ significantly depending on the species and the source. For instance, the price of a monkey varies based on the species and whether it was raised in captivity or was taken from the wild, costing anywhere from $1,500 to $50,000. A bobcat cat can cost about $2,000 and a young penguin over $5,000. Depending on the species and the provider, a fox might cost anywhere from $200 to $9,000 in total.
However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that maintaining a zoo involves more than just the cost of animal acquisition. Zoos must also afford to give the animals they retain the proper care, which can be costly. The AWA mandates that zoos give animals a variety of food and drink, suitable shelter, and medical attention. Zoos must also give animals a chance to exercise and interact with one another, which may necessitate building sizable cages and paying more workers. In conclusion, zoos that participate in operations like breeding, selling, or transporting animals do fall under the scope of the Animal Welfare Act. Zoos are required to have a written plan for the care and welfare of their animals, as well as to provide them with proper shelter, food, veterinary care, and exercise. Although the cost of purchasing animals might vary greatly, it is crucial to keep in mind that the cost of giving such creatures the proper care can be a considerable investment for zoos.