Are Zoos (zoological parks) ethical?

If you believe it would be OK for another species to do the same to humans, then yes, it's ethical. In fact, we might consider doing the same for many human populations that are in crisis right now! So many indigenous peoples are losing their habitats, and very few people will ever have known about them. read more

Forced to interact with crowds of people all day long, animals used in petting zoos may not get enough food, water, and rest. Some snap. Many children and adults have been seriously injured by tigers, primates, and other animals who are used as props in photo shoots. read more

The Chair of the Ethics Board will distribute copies of all duly received ethics complaints to members of the Ethics Board, the Chair of the AZA Board of Directors, the AZA President/CEO, Executive Director, and the AZA Board Liaison to the Ethics Board. read more

Michael Hutchins, PhD, director and William Conway Chair of the Department of Conservation and Science for the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, addressed these questions in his presentation "In defense of zoos and aquariums: The ethical basis for keeping wild animals in captivity" at the 2002 AVMA Animal Welfare Forum in Milwaukee Oct.11. read more

Zoos, pseudo-sanctuaries, marine parks, traveling zoos, roadside zoos, and other similar attractions imprison animals who long to be free. Learn more about how you can help animals. read more

The primary benefits zoos provide to society are education and conservation of species and habitats, he said. "I think the central ethical justification for zoos and aquariums in the modern world is their commitment to conservation," Dr. Hutchins said. read more