Rate this essay (/10) Say "No" to Captivity

"Some animal rights activists believe that no animal—not even dogs and cats—should ever live in captivity" (Hulick 1). If freedom is free for everyone, then why does this not apply to animals. Animals experience pain, just like humans furthermore, animal exploitation in areas such as zoos should not be considered ethically right. Animals should not be held in captivity because that reduces their exposure to their natural habitat, causes boredom, and reduces their survival rates in the wild.

Firstly, captivating an animal in a small-sized cage decreases their exposure to their natural habitat. John Jett, a marine mammal scientist, feels that it is ethically wrong to keep executioner whales in imprisonment. "It does not turn out for the creatures and, it is never going to turn out for the creatures," he says. “I think you can put all the money into bigger pools that you want but never recreate the ocean” (Hulick 1). Captivating animals can never be called home, animals need their natural habitat too. Furthermore, investing money in natural forests will be worth more than spending on zoos and all artificial homes for animals, it will at least bring happiness to animals. Therefore, captivating animals is considered inadequate and unethical to animals. Moreover, research shows that caged animals certainly minimize their exposure to natural habitats.

Secondly, animals living inside cages or captivated areas tend to get bored. Research says boredom is a problem for animals too, especially ones kept in confined spaces. “Pets may have wonderful places to live in, however, weariness is a huge issue that can prompt over the top pressure and illnesses that we find in creatures and people the same" (Watson 3). At times animals may look happy but, the pressure and feeling of being captured and locked in a cage for exploitation in zoos is rather a torture from within. As Nadja Wielebnowski says, “A lack of being able to show natural behaviors could lead to chronic stress through what you might call ‘boredom" (Watson 3). This lack of interest, so-called boredom could be lessened if captivating animals for exploitation was prohibited, as animals need their own space too.

Finally, as the captive animals move into the wild, their survival rates decrease due to the lack of skills and knowledge. As the article 'Zoo Complicated' broached, "Lucy, the chimpanzee did not have a clue how to live in the wild, and her health suffered during the adjustment" (Hulick 1). Clearly, by not captivating animals in places like zoos, we could avoid so many issues regarding animal torture, illegal animal trading, etc. Going back, Lucy, a human-raised chimpanzee who lacked skills such as seeking food and shelter, had a lower survival rate. According to Jett, a marine mammal scientist, “killer whales in captivity tend to experience social problems and health problems” (Hulick 1). When captive in a small isolated area it becomes almost impossible to be happy and live on self terms. The lack of freedom can hurt you in many ways. This observation demonstrates how isolated animals feel whilst captive. Hence, proving the point, captive animals moving into the wild can lower their survival rates due to not being exposed to necessary skills.

Opponents argue that zoos are a great home to wild animals. It is believed to save endangered animals from the wild as stated, “We enrich their bodies and minds daily for all animals, from ants to zebras,” (Graf 2) After all, many animals have been rescued and placed in zoos with no negative effects. However, captivating animals in a zoo is a cruel action towards animals, As Jett states, "it is morally wrong to keep killer whales in captivity, it does not work out for the animals and, it is never going to work out for the animals” (Hulick 1). We humans need to understand these creatures and ensure that they have their rights, such as animal rights. Captivating animals for exploitation in zoos and entertainment is a very unethical and appalling way of behaving with animals. We as citizens should prohibit and neglect the idea of the captivity of animals as it is considered a cruel action.

In conclusion, captivating animals is unethical and cruel towards animal rights laws. Allowing them to live freely in the wild will grant them many opportunities, such as freedom of living together in their natural habitat, adventures, and offer them a higher rate of survival. Ultimately, animals will not be enslaved by us humans.