Beyond Bars

Abstract

Finding out a polar bear at the zoo is on Prozac, the same depression medication as 28 million people in the United States, does not make the zoo seem like a fun afternoon activity for the whole family. Most animals in zoos suffer from distress due to their captivity and lack of natural lifestyle. Zoos have tried to make their establishments places of education and conservation of animals, but to a greater extent, they cause suffering to wild species that are already at risk. Zoos themselves aren’t the main problem. The main problem is that animals were not brought on earth to be confined and provided with resources, they were meant to live freely, find their own resources, and fend for themselves. Even if zoos in the U.S. are held to stricter standards, provide an education for the public, and conserve species, the reality is they are ultimately unethical, cannot meet the needs of the animals, and therefore should not exist.