There have been a lot of controversies in recent times about the real importance of zoological gardens to wildlife conservation. This stems from the belief that traditional zoos keep animals in cages, and not in their natural habitats.
Let’s examine these two sides of the ‘zoological’ coin.
The Emergence of Zoos
Zoological gardens seem to be as old as humans. To some scientists, it began as a form of human’s domination of his environment, when hunters and gardeners caged domesticated and non-domesticated animals on local farms. This method has since evolved into institutions referred as zoos or zoological gardens. In most zoos, wildlife is kept in cages for preservation and protection from extinction and also to prevent harm to man. Here, they receive meals on a regular basis and are seen by veterinary doctors regularly.
Zoologists assert that zoos contribute immensely to wildlife conservation by promoting biodiversity particularly endangered species. If these animals are left alone in their natural habitats, they are exposed to the risk of massive human destruction and hunting. Besides, zoos reduce the rate of endangered species through its ingenious captive breeding approach.
On the other hand, animal activists believe that cages do not provide a convenient habitat for wild life. They prevent an indispensable natural interaction of wildlife along on food chains and food webs. Wild life is kept from enjoying the beauty of nature by inhabiting cages. They are also worried if these kinds of environment really promote wildlife preservation.
Education at Zoological Gardens
Proponents of zoological gardens have argued that these parks provide educational and recreational facilities. Animals can be observed for reproduction, feeding and adaptive changes. Zoologists also note that zoos offer a forum for research on wildlife. Animal activists hold a different view: they believe that animals cannot be effectively studied in zoological gardens where they are kept in cages. They opine that such studies can best be done when the animals are observed in their natural habitats, as may be possible in forest reserves and safari parks.
Most national governments provide adequate laws about standards conditions for setting up zoological gardens. They are usually inspected and certified by environmentalists, governmental officials and zoologists.
Zoos: for Profits or Preservation?
Animal activists avow that zoos are solely for profit; they are merely money-generating ventures that have little to do with wild life conservation. Zoo protagonists disagree, stating that a zoological garden is a nature-preserving center and not a profit-driven venture. They hold that monies generated from the zoological gardens are used to promote the ideals of wildlife conservation and sustain the garden.
Despite criticisms about the ethics of zoological gardens, they still provide a viable environment for wild life. I believe that these debates are legitimate and may lead to an emergence of a ‘natural zoo’.
Biodun Awosusi - 'Biodun Awosusi is a medical doctor, freelance writer and social activist. He writes on health and politics, biodiversity and green ...
