optimisticapocalypse asked:

If zoos only stand to benefit us humans (through profit or education) isn’t that a tad unethical and egocentric?

Hey, thanks for this ask. I’m home with a bug and I just had a big bourbon, but I’m going to try and answer this as coherently as possible.

So. If zoos only benefited humans, then yes, that would be unethical. But accredited, legitimate zoos are beneficial to both humans and animals: humans for educational purposes and animals for conservation and quality of life.

The animals in legitimate, well-maintained facilities are safe. They are never going to be poached. They are never going to be victims or deforestation or the pet trade. They are never going to die from drought or food scarcity. They have access to proper medical care, high quality diets, and mental/physical stimulation.

As I said in a previous ask, I can’t speak for facilities outside of the United States, but animals in AZA accredited zoos in the US are kept to the highest standard, ever changing and improving as we learn more about them and the world around us.

I’ve worked at zoos, nature centers, and sanctuaries. All are different and all are valuable. But never did I see more animal death than the three years that I spent doing field research. The animals that I am so privileged to care for will never face that.

There are zoos and sanctuaries I have seen that have no business being in operation. There was one place I worked that on my third day, I walked out and never went back (and I reported them). That’s why accreditation is so important. If you’re ever at a zoo or a nature center or a sanctuary and you see something that concerns you, please reach out to staff! We work with these animals everyday, so we are familiar with what behavior is typical for an individual and are happy to talk to you about it. And none of us are infallible, so having an outside opinion is welcome and can really be the impetus for seeing things afresh.

I hope that answers some of your questions. :)