10 Reasons Zoos Are Bad for the Planet

8.
 
Some zoos help rehabilitate wildlife and take in exotic pets that people no 
longer want or are no longer able to care for.
9.
 
Both accredited and unaccredited animal exhibitors are regulated by the 
federal Animal Welfare Act, which establishes standards for animal care.
Arguments Against Zoos:
1.
 
From an animal rights standpoint, humans do not have a right to breed, 
capture, and confine other animals—even if those species are 
endangered. Being a member of an endangered species doesn't mean the 
individual animals should be afforded fewer rights.
2.
 
Animals in captivity suffer from boredom, stress, and confinement. No 
pen—no matter how humane—or drive-through safari can compare to the 
freedom of the wild.
3.
 
Intergenerational bonds are broken when individuals are sold or traded to 
other zoos.
4.
 
Baby animals bring in visitors and money, but this incentive to breed new 
baby animals leads to overpopulation. Surplus animals are sold not only to 
other zoos, but also to circuses, canned hunting facilities, and even for 
slaughter. Some zoos simply kill their surplus animals outright.
5.
 
The vast majority of captive breeding programs do not release animals 
back into the wild. The offspring are forever part of the chain of zoos, 
circuses, petting zoos, and the exotic pet trade that buys, sells, barters, 
and generally exploits animals. For example, an Asian elephant named Ned 
was born at an accredited zoo. However, he was later confiscated from an 
abusive circus trainer and finally sent to a sanctuary.
6.
 
Removing individual specimens from the wild further endangers the wild 
population because the remaining individuals will be less genetically 
diverse and may have greater difficulty finding mates. Maintaining species 
diversity within captive breeding facilities is also a challenge.