Should Zoos have a minimum space required for each animal?
By JoyceP2007
@JoyceP2007 (230)
United States
July 16, 2007 1:48pm CST
We were on vacation and went to a zoo. It had 10 acres of land according to its advertisement. But when we got in there I'd guess only 5 or so acres was being used for the acutal animals.
Should zoos be required to maintain a minimum amount of space for each type of animal? They can put up any size cages that they want. Should they be required to give each animal space and more of a natural environment? What are your thoughts on this?
1 person likes this
4 responses
@kareng (80243)
• United States
16 Jul 07
This sounds like a very small zoo. Was it located in a small town? To me, that isn't enough area to have a zoo. Cages and adequate space do need to be given to captive animals. I have noticed the larger zoos are expanding areas and also providing natural habitats where possible for animals. I think this is a good idea and best for the animals. That way they can have somewhat a normal life and not just be a caged animal.
@ravinskye (8237)
• United States
16 Jul 07
are you sure that they don't already have something like that in place? our local zoo seems to have a pretty good space for each of the animals. there is another one a little closer to us though that doesn't. when we went it was so hot and the poor animals didn't have much choice as to where to go. if they don't have regulations on space then yes i do think they should have some. its bad enough the animals have to live in captivity, but to have to live in such small spaces is sad.
@JoyceP2007 (230)
• United States
16 Jul 07
The place I went to there was hardly any space. And animals that are social like monkeys, were often in cages by themselves. That is what got me to thinking about it all. I wonder if they should have a national or federal regulation on the amount of space.
@HighReed1 (1126)
• United States
21 Jul 07
That sounds like way too little space for the number and kinds of animals they had.
I think they should have to give animals a certain amount of space. And keep them in social groups if that is what they like. Even if they can't give the animals a totally natural environment, they should at least try!
I'm not sure who you'd tell about this. It sounds like the people running this place don't have a clue!
@wackeytiger (424)
• United States
25 Jul 07
My thoughts are that each animal should have as much space as necessary. I wish they could each have an acre of land to roam on but I guess that's not too realistic. The government should definitely regulate it though. It's torture to place an animal in a cage where they can't run around and get exercise. I also think that wild animals should only be put in zoos as a last resort because they couldn't survive on their own in the wild.
