Cruelty to Captive Wild Animals - Millie Annabeth

Many zoological institutions and aquariums are non-profit organizations, but even non-profit zoos are concerned with the bottom line. The ethical aspects of wildlife conservation activities have received little attention.

Animal mistreatment is unfortunately widespread in zoos and safari parks. Some zoos keep captive wild animals in small barren cages with minimal environmental enrichment and in inappropriate groupings, such as social pack animals kept alone. Zoo animals are forced to live in unnatural, stressful, and just boring environments.

They are confined to restrictive conditions that deprive them of mental and physical stimulation after being removed from their natural habitats and social systems. Baby chimps taken from the wild are an example. When seized, newborn chimps go through a traumatic experience because their moms are shot to death in front of them. Many young chimps are injured in the capture process and die before reaching the market.

Many wild animals, especially rare species in captivity like elephants, spend their lives in chains, unable to wander freely or move more than a few meters. Wild animals in captivity, especially endangered species, are routinely mutilated by having their teeth and claws chopped back. In Asia, certain mammals in confinement in zoos suffer from damage and sickness. Because of the frustration and boredom of permanent confinement, many wild animals in captivity self-harm. The majority of animals receive no medical attention and are left to suffer alone. Many zoo animals exhibit stereotypical behaviour not found in their wild ancestors, such as excessive pacing or circling, or frenetic swaying on the spot. This is owing to the mistreatment and stress that caged wild animals face in many zoos and safari parks.