Animal Politics: Zoos Fail Animals and Betray Public Trust

The Tragic Toll of Captivity

The tragic death of Karen the ostrich at the Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center is a heartbreaking reminder of the inherent risks and ethical concerns surrounding the captivity of wild animals. As reported in a recent New York Times article, the 5-year-old ostrich accidentally swallowed a zookeeper's keys, leading to a desperate but futile attempt by veterinarians to save her life. Tragically, despite the best efforts of the zoo's animal care team, Karen passed away, leaving the staff and community devastated. 

Sadly, this is not an isolated incident. Research has shown that the unnatural conditions of zoos can take a profound toll on the physical and psychological well-being of captive animals. A 2019 study in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science found that captivity can lead to animal stress, frustration, and boredom, causing them to exhibit abnormal behaviors like hitting cage bars and pulling out their fur.

The case of Billy the elephant at the Los Angeles Zoo is a poignant example. Billy, a 47-year-old Asian elephant, has been confined at the LA Zoo since 1989, when he was forcibly taken from his birthplace in Malaysia and traded to the facility. Billy has developed stereotypical behaviors, such as incessant head bobbing and swaying, which are attempts to cope with the intolerable stress and physical restrictions of his captivity. These abnormal behaviors are indicators of the detrimental health impacts Billy has experienced from his long-term confinement.  Despite ongoing efforts by animal welfare advocates to secure Billy's transfer to an accredited sanctuary, the LA Zoo has refused to cooperate.

Similarly, the story of Nora the polar bear illustrates the challenges and ethical concerns around keeping wild animals in zoos. Nora was born at the Columbus Zoo in 2015 but was abandoned by her mother as a cub. She was later transferred to other zoos, where she struggled to adapt to the captive environment. Nora's plight has become emblematic of the difficulties faced by polar bears and other species in captivity.

The justifications offered by zoos - that they educate the public and contribute to conservation - are often overshadowed by the undeniable suffering of the animals. For example, in 2014, the Copenhagen Zoo euthanized a healthy 18-month-old giraffe named Marius, deeming him genetically unsuitable for their breeding program. After being fed his favorite meal, Marius was shot in the head by a zoo veterinarian; publicly dissected in front of an audience that included children; and later, his carcass was fed to the lions.

A 2021 opinion piece in The New York Times argued that the earliest zoos were created by autocratic rulers to showcase their power over nature, and that modern zoos have simply continued this tradition of exploiting animals for human amusement.  While some zoos may provide decent conditions, the fundamental premise of confining wild creatures for human entertainment is morally questionable.

The educational value of zoos is also debatable. In an age of ubiquitous nature documentaries and virtual reality experiences, there may be more ethical and effective ways to foster appreciation and stewardship of the natural world without imprisoning animals.

The tragic death of Karen the ostrich should be a wake-up call. It is time to rethink the entire zoo model and move towards more humane, non-exploitative ways of connecting people with the wonders of the animal kingdom. As a society, we must have the courage to acknowledge that the costs to the animals are simply too high, no matter the perceived benefits.

It is time to close the zoos and let the animals live free in their natural habitats. Their lives, and our humanity, depend on it.

Ed Boks is a former Executive Director of the New York City, Los Angeles, and Maricopa County Animal Care & Control Departments. He is available for consultations. His work has been published in the LA Times, New York Times, Newsweek, Real Clear Policy, Sentient Media, and now on Animal Politics with Ed Boks.