Zoos engender strong feelings from both advocates and
opponents. Because of the complexity of the issues surrounding
them, it is problematic to characterize zoos and similar
exhibitions of wild animals as a homogenous entity. One basic
standard, however, can and must be applied to these
institutions: If they are unable to provide animals with
appropriate and humane care, they should not have those animals
in their facilities.
The Humane Society of the United States strongly believes
that under most circumstances wild animals should be permitted
to exist undisturbed in their natural environments. However, we
recognize the widespread existence of zoos and acknowledge that
some serve a demonstrable purpose in the long-term benefit of
animals, such as the preservation and restoration of endangered
species, and the education of people to the needs of wild
animals and their role in ecosystems.
Yet it is critical for the public to understand that the
antiquated zoo of yesteryear did not disappear with the advent
of state-of-the-art exhibits that now dominate publicity about
modern zoos. The dark side of the story is that thousands of
wild animals, many endangered, continue to languish in roadside
zoos and menageries. Often the care for these creatures barely
meets the minimal federal requirements for exhibiting animals.
Unfortunately, only about 10% of the more than 2,000 animal
exhibitors licensed by the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA) are accredited by the American Zoo and
Aquarium Association (AZA).
Perhaps even more surprising, many AZA-accredited zoos,
including some of the most reputable ones in the United States,
contain forgotten and outdated exhibits. These sad and
inadequate displays are often obscured by the
multimillion-dollar exhibits that tend to focus only on the
more glamorous species and habitats.
The HSUS believes that zoos must serve the purposes stated
above, must maintain animals in conditions that simulate their
natural habitats as closely as possible, and must treat them
with the highest degree of humaneness, care, and
professionalism. We believe it is extremely important that
these requirements be met not only for the welfare of the
animals, but also because inhumane conditions when viewed by
the public, especially children, provide a negative educational
experience and seemingly condone indifference or cruelty toward
animals.
The HSUS works to improve the conditions and treatment of
animals in zoos wherever possible. The reality of most zoos,
however, is that external pressures routinely take precedence
over humaneness, and animals are forced to endure lives of
deprivation and cruelty. We believe that, to be acceptable,
every zoo must meet its responsibility to provide every animal
with humane, professional care.
