The Ethics Behind Zoos: Prisons or Sanctuary
Zoos, despite their popularity, remain one of the most controversial institutions in any debate about the ethics of keeping animals in captivity. The debate only grows when public incidents force people to confront what zoo life really means for animals inside.
One of the clearest examples came in 2016 at the Cincinnati Zoo in Ohio. As many know, Harambe, a gorilla, was shot and killed after a child fell into his enclosure despite doing nothing to pose a threat to the child. The incident spread across the internet immediately, with some people defending the zoo and others condemning it.
The hashtag #JusticeforHarambe trended for weeks as a serious public reaction before inevitably being turned into an internet meme. Still, the event pushed a real question into public discussion: how humane can zoos truly be if they confine wild animals and present them for public display?
Zoos are not wildlife preserves, where animals live on protected land with little human interference. In zoos, they are subject to mistreatment and poor living conditions. Some zoos have faced backlash for keeping large animals such as elephants and big cats in spaces too small to match their natural range. Others have been accused of neglect, poor sanitation, or failing to provide proper mental stimulation for highly intelligent animals.
“I don’t think they’re humane. The only zoos I think are good are those that rehabilitate animals that are hurt or unable to live in their natural habitats due to pre-existing conditions. I think the Georgia Aquarium has a whale shark because it can’t physically live in the ocean. I think that’s okay,” said senior Alex Ladiera.
Even Miami’s very own Miami Zoo is not faultless. In 2023, they faced backlash for allowing a Kiwi to be petted by visitors under bright lights. This went against the kiwi’s nocturnal nature and caused it distress. The exhibit was promptly cancelled.
Even so, the existence of bad zoos does not mean that every zoo is equally harmful. It’s easy to focus on the worst cases and forget why zoos exist in the first place. Conservation requires money, staff, research, veterinary care, and long-term planning, especially for endangered species. Not every animal can live in a perfect wildlife reserve. As unfortunate as it may sound, zoos rely on public visitors as ticket sales to fund the care of the animals.
“I know zoos aren’t a perfect solution, but we have to ensure these animals’ safety somehow. I’m not defending it being exploitative on some level, but if I had to choose between an animal being put in an enclosure or shot dead by a poacher, I’d choose the enclosure,” said senior Isabella Foret.
There are many good zoos, like the San Diego Zoo in California, that go beyond what zoos are typically known for. It is part of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, which is a nonprofit organization focused on wildlife care, scientific research, and public education. It also supports global conservation efforts.
Moreover, zoos can educate people about wildlife in ways that books, photos, or videos can’t. For many visitors, a zoo is the only place they can see the beauty and vulnerability of animals up close. Many zoologists, veterinarians, wildlife biologists, and conservation workers became interested in protecting animals because of zoos. As Steve Irwin once said, “…if we don’t get animals into people’s hearts, they’re going to go extinct.”
Yes, zoos can be cruel and deeply flawed. However, they can also serve a real purpose when they are well run and centered on animal welfare and conservation.
