A childhood trip to zoo feels just as important as chocolate chip pancakes and bouncy castles. But, the ethics of dolphins living in tanks has always been questioned. This debate has been resurrected in the wake of Tiger King (2020), a pandemic television phenomenon. Every aquarium or zoo fights back with token conservation programmes, raising the question: “Does the conservation work done by zoos and aquariums justify the fate of their inhabitants?” In todays world, the answer is an unfortunate yes.
Wildlife conservation is a notoriously inefficient enterprise. Its dependence on charity for sustenance makes the organization vulnerable to the fickle whimsy of public opinion.People must be aware of the issues and, even more importantly, the value of what they are protecting in order to feel able to donate.
Most people in Washington, D.C. have never heard of, or seen a photo of, a gold lion tamarin. The National Zoo started a breeding program in 1984 and has a live exhibit. These brightly colored Brazilian primates are now a major attraction and bring in much-needed funds each year to support conservation efforts. Their population has grown from 200 to 2,500 individuals in 1981 to 2,500 today. This is due to the fact that a third of their population was bred in captive breeding programs, such as the National Zoo.Nobody knew or cared about the little jumping fireballs until they saw them for themselves.
Conservation efforts are often the only hope of endangered species in the face climate change, which is marked by habitat loss and rising sea levels. Ironically, it’s only humans’ will that can save species from the doom they, as humans, have imposed upon them. We decide who lives and who goes to hell. This sobering truth makes it possible to support the fate of species that are housed in responsible aquariums and zoos.
My conservation experience confirms this hypothesis. During my gap years, I spent six months volunteering at the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds. It is located just outside Cape Town in South Africa. SANCCOBs wildlife rescue centre is well-known for its work with the African penguin, South Africa’s most charismatic seabird. Each year, it houses approximately 2,500 birds that are injured or ill and in need of rehabilitation. These efforts are not free of cost and rely on financial support from Cape Town’s Two Oceans Aquarium. SANCCOB was able to purchase desperately needed supplies for rehabilitating the seabirds through the financial support it received from the aquarium.The elation around the center was a reflection of the financial desperation that is inherent in wildlife conservation.
As I grew up, moral questions about zoos evolved from Are wild animals morally protected? Is it morally justified to cage wild animals? As wildlife becomes increasingly endangered, it is vital that they are seen up-close to ensure their survival.
