Home Categories About
argument top image
Are zoos ethical in the modern age? Are zoos ethical in the modern age?
Yes, zoos are bad Yes, zoos are bad
No, zoos are good No, zoos are good
Zoo animals attack people Zoo animals attack people
Zoos remove animals from their environment Zoos remove animals from their environment
Zoos give animals poor health Zoos give animals poor health
Zoos have inadequate living conditions Zoos have inadequate living conditions
Predators born in zoos are likely to die if released Predators born in zoos are likely to die if released
Zoos are created for profit Zoos are created for profit
Zoos are unethical because they are dangerous for animals Zoos are unethical because they are dangerous for animals
Zoos conserve endangered species Zoos conserve endangered species
Zoos educate about exotic animals Zoos educate about exotic animals
Zoos provide research opportunities Zoos provide research opportunities
Zoos provide quick and advanced medical care Zoos provide quick and advanced medical care
Zoo animals have a longer life expectancy Zoo animals have a longer life expectancy
Debate Mini Map

Are zoos ethical in the modern age?
Back to question

No, zoos are good

< (2 of 2)

Zoo animals have a longer life expectancy

Captive animals tend to live longer than their wild counterparts.
Animals Ethics Zoo
< (5 of 5)

The Argument

Scientists have proved that most wild animals have a longer life expectancy when kept in zoos.[1] Being in a safe environment with access to professional care ensures an animal will live into old age. While in zoos, animals also mature at a slower rate, causing them to live longer. This proves zoos are beneficial and helpful to animal survival. For example, female lions live over 10 years longer in captivity.

Counter arguments

Some animals live longer in the wild than in zoos. For example, elephants live over twice as long when free.[2] Lack of exercise is the biggest cause of death among elephants in zoos. Elephants travel long distances in the wild; when being held in captivity, they cannot get the proper exercise they need.

Premises

[P1] Most animals live longer in captivity. [P2] Zoos increase the lifespans of animals.

Rejecting the premises

[Rejecting P1] Some animals, like elephants, live longer in the wild.

References

  1. https://www.nature.com/articles/srep36361
  2. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/12/wild-elephants-live-longer-than-their-zoo-counterparts/
This page was last edited on Monday, 26 Oct 2020 at 13:32 UTC

Explore related arguments