The Dark Side of Zoos and Circuses
Wildlife parks and circuses have served as popular forms of entertainment over the centuries, where people of all ages get the chance to see exotic and wild animals up close. For many families, a visit to the zoo or circus is a memory for a lifetime, an opportunity to admire animals that are otherwise only found in remote parts of the world. But this seemingly innocent form of entertainment has a dark side that is often hidden from the public. The question that comes up more and more is whether it is fair to confine animals and use them for our entertainment, even if it means suffering under the conditions in which they are kept.
Image comes from AAP Foundation
The Reality of Wildlife Parks
Many modern zoos state that they play an important role in the conservation of endangered species and that they contribute to the public's education about the natural world. And indeed, some leading zoos are investing significantly in conservation programs and trying to recreate natural habitats for the animals they house. Unfortunately, this is not the case everywhere.
In many animal parks, especially in parts of the world where animal welfare laws are less strict, animals live under appalling conditions. They are often housed in small, sterile enclosures that cannot support their natural behavior and needs. These animals are often far from their natural habitat, leading to behavioral problems and health problems. A polar bear that is housed in a warm climate without the ability to cool down, or a tiger that runs the same circles for days in a small cage, are just a few examples of the sad reality that many of these animals face.
