Introduction 

Although zoos have a role in conservation, education, and public enjoyment, the ethical issues surrounding animal captivity are far more complex. I loved going to the zoo as a kid and did not think that any harm was being done to the animals considering all the perceived benefits like species preservation and rehabilitation. However, the issue is highly debatable, because while some insist that zoos play a vital role in saving endangered species and educating the public, others claim that wild animals in captivity have compromised health since their patterns and natural behavior are inhibited. This is due to constant human interaction since zoos are still a business and may not always prioritize what is truly best for the health of the animals over human interests. Understanding the full context surrounding zoos is crucial to identifying whether zoos are beneficial or harmful to the well-being of animals. Therefore, in this essay I will explore the history of zoos, what qualifies as a zoo, the definition and goals of conservation and animal welfare, and explore other animal preservation methods. 

The History of Zoos and Their Development 

Humans throughout history have been interested in animals and made efforts to possess them. “Zoos date back to ancient civilizations, with the earliest records found in Egypt, China, and Mesopotamia” (National Geographic Society 2023). For example, in Egypt, pharaohs kept wild animals in a garden of sorts, made hieroglyphs of them, and modeled their gods based on animal forms. This human fascination with wildlife continued throughout the 13th century, and royals kept menageries or private clusters of exotic animals as a status symbol and to give away as gifts. One prominent example is the London Menagerie, which had a wide range of animals, from lions to elephants, that were collected to be spectacles. The 1500s marked the beginning of public displays of animals when the wealthy Medici family were the first to allow the public to see their collections. Thus, the Victorian era was much more focused on aesthetics and animals were placed in small, bare cages to be easily seen. However, during the enlightenment era, as scientific research, education, and ethics gained a foothold in society, these menageries evolved into the first modern zoos and began to prioritize what the animals needed. This shift was pioneered by Carl Hagenbeck, a German animal tradesman, who created the first open air and naturalistic display designs (Anderson 2024). This model improved conditions for the animals and is now how most zoos try to design their enclosures. Furthermore, the Vienna Zoo, which was established in 1752, is considered the first modern zoo, and was created for the scientific study of the animal kingdom (Anderson 2024). This was the first step into real study of animals and all their complexities. For example, this is when people figured out fish had brains. By the 19th century, many new zoos were being established and the London Zoo, which was created in 1828, recognized that people could be educated from experience and opened their gate to the public. This marked the transition into the 20th century, where zoos were no longer exclusive or considered elite but a place for education, enjoyment, and research. Animals have held public interest throughout time but the way in which animals are treated, observed, and cared for shifts constantly. Consequently, modern-day institutions now have a more active role in wildlife conservation and educating the public (Britannica 2025). 

What defines a Zoo: an overview 

According to National Geographic, “A zoo is a place where animals live in captivity and are put on display for people to view” (Rutledge 2023). Zoos also generally house endangered species to study and protect. There are zoos in all parts of the world. Urban zoos sit in the middle of cities and have little room for expansion while dealing with noise and pollution. On the other hand, there are also suburban zoos that resemble parks and have more space for expansion and complex habitat immersion. This means that the enclosures are very naturalistic and spread apart. Typically, urban parks are more popular in Europe, and in the United States, one will see more suburban parks. In the United States the biggest zoo we have is the San Diego zoo, which is a suburban park that houses more than 4,000 animals (Rutledge 2023). Another form of zoo is safari parks that allow visitors to drive around the land in their cars to see all the animals. These zoos are larger than urban and suburban zoos and have a lot of space for the animals to explore. Game reserves are also wide expanses of land that are protected along with the animals that live there. However, people are allowed to tour on buses and take pictures of the animals. The most popular game reserves are in Africa and have tourists coming throughout the year to see lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants, and water buffalo. A smaller scale of zoos are petting zoos which house domesticated animals that children can go and pet. These zoos typically have sheep, goats, donkeys, and rabbits. These zoos can be found within larger parks or zoos or be mobile for carnivals and festivals. Zoos can also specialize in a specific population; for example, Australia's Sydney aquarium houses all their native species. Aviaries are also another example of specific collections that house thousands of birds. Overall, zoos are extremely versatile and can be made up of small clusters of animals like a petting zoo, a wide range of animals in most state zoos, be it urban or suburban, be travelling, or expanding into large areas of land for people to visit. 

Understanding Conservation and Animal Welfare

 As stated by the National Geographic Society, “Conservation is the protection of natural habitats and the animals within them to ensure sustainability.” The overarching goal of conservation is to protect and restore natural resources so that as many habitats and animals as possible are around for future generations. This concept of preservation gained significant popularity in the post-World War era when ethics and education further developed. This shift can also be seen in our nation's presidents.“Theodore Roosevelt was a conservationist and part of his legacy is the preservation of 230 million acres of land and the establishment of five national parks” (National Park Service 2017). Theodore Roosevelt’s initiative launched national efforts and the protection of land and species became a prominent issue that many people cared about and continue to support. This commitment to conservation is seen in the explosion of zoos that took place during this time and the development of research programs within them to better understand nature to safeguard it. 

Animal welfare is a broad concept encompassing animal wellbeing regarding their physical, mental, and emotional states (The Humane League 2020). Physical and behavioral patterns help experts evaluate an animal's health. Typical patterns that emerge if an animal is not healthy include early death, chronic infections, aggression, and pacing or rocking (Coleman 2023). Animal welfare is the actual state of the animal and the quality of life it has. This means that animal welfare goes beyond making sure the animal is not suffering and is the positive experiences the animal has. The treatment of an animal in terms of care, companionship, and stimulation are all factors that can influence animal welfare. Animal welfare assesses the animal’s health and quality of life and determines if any changes or interventions need to be made. Animal welfare can also hold a philosophical application and focus on evaluating if the use of animals is justified by the benefit it brings to society. This philosophical approach is usually applied to ethical concerns regarding animal consumption and captivity. There are lots of regulations and laws established that center around animal welfare and providing a standard quality of life for animals. For example, laws are in place to combat the illegal trafficking of animals, such as elephants and rhinos, for their horns (U.S. Department of State). Overall, a greater focus on conservation and animal welfare has developed with more education on the topic and more attention on the issue. 

Conclusion 

The controversy over zoos and their role in animal welfare is not black and white and raises questions about ethics, conservancy, and animal welfare. Zoos have evolved from pits to royal menageries to modern institutions but zoos still lack the complexity of nature. Yet, many efforts are being made to create better environments and to add deeper enrichment to the animals lives. Furthermore, animal species also get quality medical care and can be involved in humane breeding programs to raise their populations numbers. For all the benefits that a zoo can provide, such as aiding in the survival of endangered species and public education, the question remains whether a zoo can ever truly replicate the wild. This is because many animals exhibit stress-related behaviors due to captivity (Coleman 2023). That remains a challenge: to weigh the benefits of a conservation practice against the essential needs of animals and ensure a commitment to the most ethically sound practices and regulations. 

Works Cited: 

Anderson, Michael. "History of Zoos: Past, Present & Future (Incl. Timeline)." EcoCation, 6 Sep. 2024, ecocation.org/history-of-zoos/. Coleman, Madison. "Mistreatment of Wild Animals in Captivity." Ballard Brief, 31 July 2023, ballardbrief.byu.edu/issue-briefs/mistreatment-of-wild-animals-in-captivity. "Zoo." Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 27 Feb. 2025, www.britannica.com/science/zoo. The Humane League. "What Is Animal Welfare and Why Is It Important?" IFAW, 2020, www.ifaw.org/journal/what-is-animal-welfare. National Geographic Society. "Conservation." National Geographic Education, 2025, education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/conservation-encyclopedic/. Rutledge, Kim, et al. "Zoo." National Geographic Education, 2023, education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/zoo/. "Wildlife Sanctuaries: Importance and How Do They Help the Wildlife?" Earth Eclipse, 21 July 2022, eartheclipse.com/animals/wildlife-sanctuaries-importance.html. "Theodore Roosevelt and Conservation." National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, 2017, www.nps.gov/thro/learn/historyculture/theodore-roosevelt-and-conservation.htm. "Wildlife Trafficking." U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of State, www.state.gov/wildlife-trafficking-2/. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025. 

Introduction 

Everyone loves the zoo. To most of us, zoos seem like wonderful places where animals are cared for, safe, and happy. I remember going to the zoo and being taken back by all the exotic animals that I never got to see, it was special. I also did not think any harm was being done to the animals considering all the perceived benefits like species preservation, public education, and rehabilitation. However, behind the glass walls and gates, many animals have compromised health because their natural behavior is restricted for public entertainment (Coleman 2023). Therefore, the question remains whether zoos benefit animals enough to outweigh the costs of living in captivity. Understanding the full context surrounding zoos is crucial to determine whether zoos are properly caring for their animals, so in this essay I will outline what qualifies as a zoo and explore the development, benefits, and drawbacks of these establishments. The relationship between zoos and animal wellbeing will also be analyzed and other conservation solutions like sanctuaries will be discussed. 

What defines a Zoo

An Overview According to National Geographic states that, “A zoo is a place where animals live in captivity and are put on display for people to view” (Rutledge, Kim, et al. 2023). There are zoos in all parts of the world. Urban zoos sit in the middle of cities and have little room for expansion while dealing with noise and pollution. On the other hand, there are also suburban zoos that resemble parks and have more space for complex naturalistic habitats but may lack enough monetary support. Contrastingly, petting zoos are small, house domesticated animals, and cater to children. These zoos typically have sheep, goats, donkeys, and rabbits and allow the kids to pet the animals. These zoos can be found within larger zoos or be mobile for carnivals and festivals. Zoos can also specialize in a specific population, for example, aviaries house thousands of birds. Overall, zoos are extremely versatile and can be any institution or business that houses animals to show to the public. 

The History of Zoos and Their Development 

Animals have consistently held public interest throughout time but the way in which animals are treated, observed, and cared for shifts constantly. “Zoos date back to ancient civilizations, with the earliest records found in Egypt, China, and Mesopotamia” (National Geographic Society 2023). During this time, royals kept menageries or private clusters of exotic animals as a status symbol and to give away as gifts. One prominent example is the London Menagerie, which had a wide range of animals, from lions to elephants, which were collected to be spectacles. This era was much more focused on aesthetics and animals were placed in small, bare cages to be easily seen. However, during the enlightenment era, as education and ethics gained a foothold in society, these menageries began to prioritize what the animals needed and focused on preserving species. This advancement improved conditions for the animals in captivity and most enclosures began to be more open and naturalistic (Anderson 2024). Additionally, the London Zoo recognized that people could learn about wildlife from visiting and opened their gates to the public. This advancement led to modern zoos which are places for learning, animal care, and enjoyment. 

Zoos Protect Endangered Species 

My first point in favor of modern zoos is that they assist in conservation efforts by taking care of animals that cannot survive in the wild, breeding endangered species, and raising awareness about extinction. As stated by the National Geographic Society, “Conservation is the protection of natural habitats and the animals within them to ensure sustainability.” Zoos aid conservation efforts by raising money to support projects that restore habitats or that focus on preventing poaching so that as many animals as possible are around for future generations. These Augustyn 4 programs have been successful in maintaining genetic diversity and preserving species that might otherwise disappear because of climate change and habitat destruction. For example, a Kansas City Zoo partnered with an organization in Malaysia to restore orangutans destroyed habitat from unsustainable palm oil harvesting (Marcy 2020). Zoos also provide a controlled environment where endangered animals can live without the immediate dangers they would face in the wild. Consequently, zoos play a critical role in the survival of numerous species on the brink of extinction, offering them a safe haven where they can breed and maintain a stable population (IUCN 2023). For instance, “The California condors were saved after only 9 birds were left in the wild to now have numbers close to 250” (Marcy 2020). Zoos also offer full medical care for animals too injured or unfit for life in the wild and closely monitor animal lineages to make sure animals remain genetically healthy. This work is crucial to protecting the beauty and balance of the world and the work zoos do is amazing if done ethically. 

Zoos Educate the Public 

Secondly, zoos provide a unique opportunity for the public to observe wild animals up close and learn about extinction, which makes the information much more compelling. Zoos also provide a variety of ways to take in information; they have infographics, skilled instructors presenting information, and interactive experiences which make learning about conservation and wildlife accessible and engaging for all ages (BCC 2022). Moreover, the educational programs offered by zoos give visitors a deeper insight into animal behavior, conservation efforts, and the challenges wildlife face in their natural environments beyond what individuals could take away from an article. Zoos also play a role in spreading love for animals and have been successful in motivating individuals to take action toward conservation (Marcy 2020). This success is because zoos create positive experiences which fosters respect and love for animals. Essentially, zoos can inspire future scientists, conservationists, and wildlife advocates. The ability for zoos to engage the public in their mission of conservation and animal welfare is powerful because it keeps the lives of animals and health ecosystems a concern. Zoos 

Conduct Useful Scientific Research 

My third point in favor of zoos is that these institutions engage in incredibly useful research. Zoos offer the chance to observe diverse groups of animals, develop medicine, and plan new preservation initiatives. “They allow researchers to study animal behavior, physiology, and reproduction in ways that would be difficult or impossible in the wild.” (Enviroliteracy Team 2025). This research is then used to develop new conservation strategies and has led to new veterinary medicine that benefits animal populations in captivity and the wild. For example, Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Florida is dedicated to studying the West Indian Manatee to maintain the health of its manatee population and prevent extinction (Association of Zoos and Aquariums 2017). Furthermore, zookeepers and veterinarians have regular access to animals and are better able to detect serious illnesses and prevent deaths of vulnerable species. These treatments can then be brought into the field and practiced in sanctuaries and the wild. Furthermore, the study of animal born diseases can be studied by scientists from zoo populations to look further into how these diseases manifest and spread to find treatments and preventative measures (Fong 2017). Knowledge is power and the work that zoos do to better understand our planet's animals is crucial to properly living a sustainable life for both animals and humans. 

Captivity has Physical Consequences for Animals 

Despite the benefits zoos offer in terms of conservation and education, the physical toll of captivity on animals is undeniable. This concern brings me to my first point against zoos, which Augustyn 6 is the fact that, “animals in captivity often suffer from health issues such as obesity, joint problems, and shorter lifespans compared to their wild counterparts” (Rosenberger 2022). These physical problems are often caused by limitations of zoo management, including limited space, a lack of funds, and rigid feeding schedules. For example, elephants in zoos develop foot problems because the hard surfaces of their enclosures do not replicate the natural terrain, they walk on in the wild, but no change is ever made in some cases because the issue is ignored, too much money to fix, or too much work. This highlights the urgent need for stricter regulations in zoos to protect animals from abuse, as many people, including zoo workers and the public, may not fully understand the complexity of an animal's needs. It is incredibly tragic to witness animals endure pain and suffering in captivity when they could be living in more suitable environments and changes should be made. 

Zoos Impair Animals Mental Health 

The enclosures in zoos also often fail to stimulate the animal’s natural behavior which leads to a loss of instinct and animal hopelessness. For instance, “Tigers and lions have about 18,000 times less space in their captive enclosures than what they would have in the wild” (Coleman 2023). This confinement prevents them from engaging in natural behaviors like hunting or foraging. Most zoos try to make enclosures more natural and interesting, but they cannot completely replicate the wild because many are situated in less-than-ideal environments, are catering towards the public, or do not have the resources. For instance, dolphins and orcas are prone to emotional distress because mothers and babies usually are immediately separated due to a lack of space when they are highly emotional and familial beings (Coleman 2023). These health concerns are also prominent in other highly intelligent animals, like big cats and monkeys, because their needs are more complex and less likely to be fulfilled, so they exhibit abnormal behaviors such as pacing, head-bobbing, and self-mutilation (Coleman 2023). This dilemma is why certain species and zoos need to be more regulated and not allowed to stay long-term in a facility that cannot meet all its needs. 

Zoo’s Focus May Not be on Animal Wellbeing 

Critics of zoos also argue that many institutions prioritize financial gain and entertainment quality over the welfare of the animals they house and compromise ethics. For example, on average only 4% of money raised from zoos goes back to conservation and rehabilitation when many people believe that all the money goes back to the animals (BCC 2022). Some zoos also use animals to draw visitors, charging high admission fees and offering attractions that may not be in the best interest of the animals. This is usually seen in the extortion of tigers, lions, sharks, and orcas that cannot live full happy lives in captivity. This can also include performances like the orca and dolphin shows at SeaWorld. “Dolphins have also been trained to beach themselves so photographers can use them as a prop…this can lead to scratch injuries and serious crushing of internal organs” (Margaritoff 2024). These practices suggest that for some zoos, the goal of entertaining the public and generating revenue outweighs the responsibility of providing a healthy and enriching environment for the animals. There have also been instances where zoos have neglected animal care due to financial struggles or a lack of visitors (Margaritoff 2024). This profit-driven approach raises ethical concerns about whether zoos truly prioritize animal welfare or simply use animals as commodities. This is because animal welfare encompasses an animal's whole wellbeing regarding their physical, mental, and emotional states and captivity does not prioritize all of those factors most of the time (The Humane League 2020). In particular, animals are subjected to “poor conditions like small cages, limited diets, constant human interaction, performances, or social isolation” (Rosenburg 2022). 

Choosing What's Best for Animals 

Zoos have evolved over the centuries to become important institutions for conservation, education, and research. However, the impact of captivity on the health of animals cannot be overlooked. The solution does not lie in eliminating zoos altogether, but in establishing new regulations for them. Many zoos should continue to house injured or endangered animals that need constant care for short periods of time but should then transition these animals to sanctuaries if the long-term goal is to return them to the wild. Large mammals or any species that typically struggle in captivity, regardless of their popularity, should also be placed in the care of sanctuaries. "A more sustainable solution to free a greater number of animals from the mistreatment of captivity is placing animals in sanctuaries" (Coleman 2023). Sanctuaries and wildlife reserves provide animals with larger, more natural environments that better replicate their natural habitats. These facilities focus on a less disruptive environment while still allowing populations to breed and recover (Earth Eclipse, 2022). In these environments, human contact is minimized, and animals are not restricted by park hours, noise, or feeding schedules, allowing them to engage in more natural behaviors. Additionally, animals are less likely to become entirely dependent on a caretaker or lose their instincts, which can happen in zoos where natural behaviors and enrichment are often withheld. Sanctuaries also offer the opportunity for reintroduction into the wild. However, sanctuaries and wildlife reserves lack the ability to engage the public in the same way zoos can, making it harder to cultivate support and raise money for conservation initiatives. Moreover, sanctuaries also are not equipped to provide constant care for individual animals that are injured. Therefore, zoos should not be completely shut down. Instead, a partnership between zoos and sanctuaries would best serve the animals, where animals that require hands-on care stay at zoos and animals that can recover should stay in sanctuaries. Overall, the long-term goal should be to establish regulations and laws that ensure the transfer of zoo animals regularly to sanctuaries when the animals are healthy and independent enough. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, the issue of animals in any form of captivity is complicated and prioritizing what is best for the animal above all else can be difficult. Zoos have a place in society for their work in conservation, education, and promotion of wildlife; however, they are not the best option for animals that are healthy and self-sufficient because they have lasting negative physical and mental effects on animals. Alternative forms of conservation, such as sanctuaries and wildlife reserves, mimic natural conditions and more effectively prevent any health issues from captivity. Sanctuaries also have higher rates of reintroduction into the wild while still allowing populations to grow and recover. Even so, it would be unfair to vilify zoos as long as steps are taken to guarantee the wellbeing of the animals in their care. Most zoos simply need to change their role as they have in the past to become a short-term facility to prioritize the well-being of all animals in their care. All in all, not all zoos are inherently bad for animals, and they support crucial initiatives for conservation and education. They just should not house animals' long term unless it is a last resort. 

Works Cited: 

Anderson, Michael. "History of Zoos: Past, Present & Future (Incl. Timeline)." EcoCation, 6 Sep. 2024, ecocation.org/history-of-zoos/. Coleman, Madison. “Mistreatment of Wild Animals in Captivity.” Ballard Brief, 31 July 2023, ballardbrief.byu.edu/issue-briefs/mistreatment-of-wild-animals-in-captivity. “Conservation Success Stories in Aza-Accredited Zoos and Aquariums.” Association of Zoos & Aquariums, 2017, www.aza.org/aza-news-releases/posts/conservation-success-stories-in-aza-accredited-zoo s-and-aquariums. Enviroliteracy Team. “Why Zoos Are Good?” The Environmental Literacy Council, 27 Feb. 2025, enviroliteracy.org/why-zoos-are-good/#:~:text=Scientific%20Research%20Hubs%201%2 0Advancing%20Animal%20Knowledge%20Zoos,study%20animal%20behavior%20in% 20a%20controlled%20environment.%20. Fong, I. W.. “Animals and Mechanisms of Disease Transmission.” Emerging Zoonoses: A Worldwide Perspective, 15–38, 8 Feb. 2017, doi:10.1007/978-3-319-50890-0_2. IUCN SSC 2023. "Position Statement on the Role of Botanic Gardens, Aquariums, and Zoos in Species Conservation." IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC), Gland, Switzerland, 8 pp. Available at: IUCN Resources. Augustyn 12 Margaritoff, Marco. “Animal Protection Group Says Hundreds of Zoos and Aquariums Are Mistreating Animals.” All That’s Interesting, 27 Feb. 2024, allthatsinteresting.com/world-animal-protection-mistreatment-report. Marcy, Karlyn. “Why Zoos and Aquariums Are Beneficial.” Association of Zoos & Aquariums, 2020, www.aza.org/connect-stories/stories/benefits-of-zoos. National Geographic Society. “Conservation.” Education, 2025, education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/conservation-encyclopedic/. Rosenberger, Zoe. “Zoos Cause Animals Far More Harm than Good.” Sentient, 27 Oct. 2022, sentientmedia.org/zoos-cause-animals-far-more-harm-than-good/. Rutledge, Kim, et al. "Zoo." National Geographic Education, 2023, education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/zoo/. Team, The Humane League. "What Is Animal Welfare and Why Is It Important?" IFAW, 2020, www.ifaw.org/journal/what-is-animal-welfare. "Zoo." Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 27 Feb. 2025, www.britannica.com/science/zoo. “Should Zoos Exist?” Ideas, BCC, YouTube, 27 Oct. 2022, www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQDYxTCIVRE. "Wildlife Sanctuaries: Importance and How Do They Help the Wildlife?" Earth Eclipse, 21 July 2022, eartheclipse.com/animals/wildlife-sanctuaries-importance.html.