The Dangers Of Zoos, Seaworld, And Zoos

Most people have come across animals used for entertainment purposes, whether it be in zoos or theme parks like Seaworld. Zoos and establishments like Seaworld attract millions of people year round, because what is more interesting than seeing an elephant, or an orca whale up close? In our society, is has become common for the public to travel to these types of places. They are seen as the perfect place to vacation for a day, or to just spend time with family. Children especially love to see exotic animals in person, rather than just reading about them, or watching shows about them. People do not often think that the animals they see in captivity are abused, or have low standards of living. However, the truth is that the lives animals have

As a child, many people would often go to the zoo or to the circus and see animals in real life. In circuses, animals would often perform tricks and stunts, dazzling the audience. In the zoo, people would often see animals in their native habitat, or what looks like it. Children were mainly amazed with the animals and were always exited to go see the animals. As the years go by, they start to realize that some of the animals are suffering and are being mistreated, especially in circuses. They see that the animals in zoos are depressed and lonely and the animals in the circuses are chained up. What is worse is that animals in laboratories are often treated very poorly; more poorly than what Americans treat prisoners and refugees. There have been many debates on whether animals should be held in captivity. Some groups believe that animals should not be held in captivity because they have the same capacities as humans. They believe that animals can feel emotion and have a sense of morality. Animals in captivity are deprived of their natural habitat and their instincts. Animals raised in captivity tend to rely more on humans compared to animals raised in the wild. They also believe zookeepers and trainers are putting themselves at risk when taking care of the animals. There have been many incidents including the death of trainers by animals, one highlighted by the movie “Blackfish” by director Gabriela Cowperthwaite. There are others who believe that putting animals in captivity is beneficial for not only the animal, but for humans as well. Humans get more jobs if more animals are put into captivity because there is an increase in the amount of people needed. Another benefit of keeping animals in captivity is that it could help save a species who is endangered and close to going extinct. Another benefit is that it helps increase the amount of food available because some animals are raised for food. Putting animals in captivity wrong unless they are being used for the animal’s benefits.

Throughout the years, we have been made to believe that wildlife in the entertainment industry is captivating. Even though these animals may seem to be happy and healthy, the truth is the majority of these animals suffer a great amount of abuse. SeaWorld and the Circus have made a name for themselves, by claiming that he/she provides a safe a friendly environment. However, what is not shown during these performance acts is the abuse these animals suffer, or the amount of stress and anxiety the animals are under. Wildlife in captivity for exotic animals can cause a serious amount of stress along with abuse, anxiety which can lead to a fatal result for the animals and the people who take care of them.

Imagine a place where you can see your favorite sea animals. Whales, dolphins, sharks, even penguins. Doesn’t that sound like somewhere you would enjoy going? SeaWorld is what comes to most people’s minds when they think of this, but is SeaWorld really that wonderful? Is SeaWorld truly what it’s hyped up to be? SeaWorld claims to be a sanctuary for animals where they keep animals like killer whales safe from the dangers of the world. Well, SeaWorld should really get a dictionary because a “sanctuary” is truly not what they give these animals. Orcas are the main attraction of SeaWorld but they are also one of the animals that suffer the most. Orcas in SeaWorld lifelessly float in their pool with little to no shade from the sun. In the wild,

Think about how we will look back on our cruel forms of entertainment in the future. Will we be proud of the way we treated these great animals, with abuse as neglect? Today we turn our heads away from reality and what happens behind the scenes of animal entertainment. However, we can’t turn our heads forever. Around the world, there is so much more to animal entertainment than what meets the eye. These animals have been torn away from their beautiful, natural homes and brought to a prison of concrete. In these prisons, they are beaten, starved and tortured all for our money and entertainment. These animals lives should not be taken from them for us. Our money and happiness should not be worth these animal’s lives. Circus, theme park and zoo animals all suffer from aggression towards trainers, mental disabilities and physical injuries. These animals should not have to suffer any longer.

Throughout modern history, parents have often taken their children to the zoo or circus to go see wild animals that they might not otherwise see in person. This practice is viewed as an innocent and exciting way to teach little ones about the animal kingdom. However, the child is introduced to the idea that animals, no matter how large or deadly, are for the entertainment of humans and should be treated as such. Zoos are only one example of how humans are practically in direct control of the fate of wild animals. Even in the wild, animals are left to the mercy of humans due to our insatiable desire to carry on expanding as Jon Mooallem illustrates in his magazine article, “What’s a Monkey to Do in Tampa?”. According to, Mark Prigg for

Imagine being in a circus ring watching tigers and lions leaping through blazing rings of fire, elephants standing on their heads, and monkeys riding red bicycles for a colossal crowd of screaming, cheering fans. The elephant’s exhausted, worn body is swamped with intricately designed drapes. The sweet, endearing smell of fresh cotton candy and popcorn fills the air with excitement. When the show has reached the grand finale and has come to an end, a trainer arrives with a bull hook and thrusts it into the elephant’s side. Bloody wounds are all over its body from the mistreatment of the circus industry. This is the life that circus animals live each and every day. The animals are mistreated on a routine basis and are crammed into small boxcars for more than three-fourths of their life, serving the public for a moment of entertainment each night. The life of a circus animal is one of pure, unending misery. The use of animals in circus shows is inhumane because they are a threat to public health, and they are mistreated when outside of the public eye.

While many people think that animals are safe at zoos and privately owned farms it's far from the truth. In 2011, nearly 50 animals died when their owner left open their cages before he shot himself. Eighteen tigers, seventeen African lions, six black bears, two grizzly bears, two wolves, and a baboon were killed by police officers who deemed the animals to be a danger to the community (Wild at Home). Instances like these show that private owners don’t put their animals’ well-being first. Exotic animals like chimpanzees and tigers shouldn’t be kept as pets because many of them suffer due to the substandard care that is given to them by private owners, many of them pose a threat not only to their owners but to their community, and many of them carry multiple diseases that are transmittable to humans.

Have you ever been to a circus? Traveling shows are famous for their colorful tents, crowded atmosphere, and comical acts. Most of all, they are loved for their animals. Dogs ride unicycles and dress up as clowns; seals wear makeup and balance balls on their noses; elephants, horses, and cats perform dances for the entertainment of the crowd. But what is really going on behind the painted smiles and frilly costumes? Many circuses have long bloody histories of animal neglect and abuse, unbeknownst by the adoring children who watch with awe. Circuses all over the world are inhumane in their treatment of animals, keeping wild animals in close confines, regularly abusing their animals, and withholding veterinary services when needed.

Positive elements of animal captivity After looking at the philosophical theories supporting the use of animal captivity, I researched the positive elements to make sense of these views and to see why zoos, wildlife parks and circuses are still popular today despite the horrible stories emerging from such places. One of the most significant aspects of modern zoos is their attempt at saving endangered species, which is extremely important in today’s society due to climate change. Zoos and wildlife parks are able bring the animals into a safe environment where they are protected from poachers, habitat loss, starvation and predators, as there is more of a chance of them becoming extinct being left in the wild than in the safety of a zoo. This view is argued by Warwick Frost in his book ‘Zoos and Tourism’, where he states, ‘zoos have a role in conserving and scientifically studying endangered species and this scientific interest often extends to seeing zoos as vehicles for acclimatising and introducing ‘useful’ exotic species.’ (Frost, 2011, p.1)

For centuries, the circus has always been advertised as a fun-filled event for everyone to enjoy. Because of the silly, fun-filled antics displayed by every acrobat, clown, and animal, most visitors do not question the circus’s background or what happens when the Big Top closes. Only recently have the atrocities against animals come to light, and the truth is very depressing. The reality is that all animals in a circus environment are being forced to perform against their will out of fear: fear of being beaten, whipped, muzzled, or starved. Now that the truth is out, it is up to the public to do what is right and not support such a cruel institution.

Most animals used in attractions are torn away from their families and homes. Animals need their natural environment to grow healthy and happy. Instead, they are left to face a lifetime of inhumane mental and physical abuse. They often suffer from high levels of stress and psychological trauma. This is usually caused by being crammed into unhygienic small confinements and going through excruciating “training”. “Trainers” force animals to learn tricks using rods with spikes, chains and ropes. In addition, animals such as elephants and monkeys are usually forced to work long hours, only given small amounts of fresh food and water to sustain them. This usually causes severe dehydration, exhaustion and heat stress. Also, many shows using wild animals refuse to pay for proper medical care(World Animal Protection 2015). No animal ever deserves to be treated this way. The tourism we generate is the only revenue that supports these brutal

Zoos, aquariums and hunting sports seem normal to us. It’s something that has been growing around for centuries. But what we don’t know is that these animals suffer mental stress, become unhealthy and all for the sake of our entertainment. Although it seems that zoos and aquariums have everything under control, and all the animals seem to be fine, they’re actually not, and the sad reality is, that it is still going on today. Animals don’t belong to us, they’re not ours to keep. We don’t own them and therefore we shouldn’t be paying to see them do tricks. We shouldn’t be playing hunting games with them either. So many animals die from hunting sports, and so, for the reasons stated above, animals shouldn’t be used for our entertainment purposes.

According to United Nations Environment Programme,the Earth is filled with eight million, seven hundred thousand species,. The high number of species inspired a population of entrepreneurs to capture and display the animals at a cost, which caused the establishment well known as a zoo. Zoos house rare and exotic animals that attract various crowds, from groups of families to busloads of rowdy children on a field trip for amusement and educational purposes. Although zoos contain rare animals, finding a zoo is nowhere near rare. In fact, the polar opposite. These amusement parks are located in urban and rural areas across America and around the world. However, the attraction of paying customers invoke the cycle of animal incarceration. There’s no justifications that prove beneficial enough for animals being held captive and held against their will; a genuine animal lover respects animal rights and would want to boycott the confinement by zoos to eliminate cruelty.

Animal cruelty is defined as a crime of inflicting pain, suffering, or death on an animal beyond necessary means for normal discipline. This crime comes in many different forms; it is not only limited to neglect and domestic animal abuse, but it can also be seen in today’s “entertainment” industry. Although it is frequently overlooked, animals are being mistreated in various famous places that attract large crowds: SeaWorld, zoos, and the circus. The use of animals for entertainment purposes should unequivocally constitute animal cruelty.