It was in 1826 that the zoological Society was founded in London. in 1867,the title was shortened to zoo. Later on, in 1892, the Englishman Henry Salt, in his book Animal Rights, was one of the first to protest against keeping animals in cages. He did not like the idea because of the way the animals were confined and also the way animals in zoos “lose their character.” Since then, many people have criticized zoos for these reasons. However , zoos claim that their role is to educate the public and conserve animals. These aims are not bad in themselves. It is the way in which they are carried out that we must consider
Zoos claim that they have an important educational function. Is this true? In reality, most people go to zoos for entertainment. This is what sells the tickets and pays the bills. Zoos say they give people the opportunity to see the wonders of nature and its wild animals. In fact they are showing us animals that have lost their dignity: animals with sad and empty eyes. The conditions under which animals are kept in zoos change their behavior. Animals, like humans, are affected by their environment. After months and years in a cage without any interest animals begin to lose their natural characteristic. Many animals in zoos get signs of “zoochosis,”abnormal behavior which includes endlessly pacing up and down and rocking from side to side. It is caused by lack of space, lack of interest, lack of company, and an unsuitable diet. Two polar bears in Bristol Zoo in England have been confined in a small area for 28 years and show all the signs of zoochosis. How can people observe wild animals under such conditions and believe that they are being educated? To learn about wild animals one must observe them in the wild where they live.