Animals from all over the world can be seen in zoos, which are interesting locations. However, do you ever wonder where zoos acquire all of these animals? The solution is more complicated than you may imagine.
The majority of zoos obtain their animals through a number of techniques, such as breeding programs, animal exchanges with neighboring zoos, buying from private breeders, or even bidding on animals at animal auctions. Zoos occasionally take in injured or abandoned wild animals that can’t be returned to the wild because of their condition.
However, not all animals are offered for sale or trade. For instance, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered animals of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) treaty makes it unlawful to purchase or trade endangered animals. To ensure that they are not supporting the illegal wildlife trade, zoos must collaborate with conservation groups.
Can you buy a hippo then? No, is the response. Due to their vulnerability listing and CITES protection, hippos are prohibited from being purchased or sold. Hippos are frequently obtained by zoos through breeding programs or through trades with other zoos.
Unfortunately, there is debate in the field of animal procurement. The Zanesville Massacre in 2011, in which more than 50 exotic animals were released by a private owner and then put to death by authorities, raised awareness of the problem of exotic animal ownership among the general public. This terrible incident made clear the necessity for tighter controls on exotic animal ownership and trading.
There are disagreements over whether zoos profit from the exploitation of animals, with some contending that it is wrong to hold animals in captivity for amusement. Zoo advocates counter that zoos are crucial for research, teaching, and conservation initiatives.
Zoos have many benefits and drawbacks, and the issue of where they obtain their animals is only a small portion of the whole discussion. To make sure that they are contributing to the preservation and protection of the world’s species, zoos should put animal care, conservation, and ethical procurement procedures at the top of their priority lists.