As a zoology professor and, thanks to my kids, a frequent zoo visitor, I agree with Emma Marris that zoo displays can be sad and cruel. They also take on the additional cost of providing lifetime care for every animal. Were it not for opportunities to observe these beautiful, wild creatures close to home, many more people would be driven by their fascination to travel to wild areas to seek out, disturb and even hunt them down. As for what is 'right' or 'wrong'? Another zoo that doesnt live up to its positive name is the Alligator Adventure and Barefoot Landings T.I.G.E.R.S. In the process, cameras visit some of the world's harshest and most extreme habitats, while also heading to many facilities where animals are kept, from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in Australia to London and Edinburgh Zoos, to see how humans have worked to research and conserve them. Baby bears, seals, beavers and other animals were taken in and used by the zoos for financial profit until they were no longer useful, and then either "culled" or released into the wild without. Not only is the Lincoln Park Zoo one of the oldest in North America, but it also has one of the largest zoo-based conservation and science programs in the country. From this list, we selected 14 of the most popular zoos in the U.S., according to the AZA, to make your next visit a little easier to plan. This site uses cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. The zoo has been cited for using dogs to keep elephants in line (even allowing them to be bitten), and also continued to use bullhooks up until 2017, even when that meant withdrawing from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums when they banned the practise. Absolutely agree with you on the Woodland Park Zoo but I have heard a lot of bad things from people I know who have worked at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Three Bears doesnt even count as a zoo - as it is actually (as the name suggests) a store, but has a bear habitat where visitors can feed the bears and take photos of them. If those figures were not impressive enough, there are also 45 countries with the San Diego Zoo Global Conservation Project, more than 380 collaborative partnerships, and three continents where they conduct education outreach programs. The Indianapolis Zoo awards the Indianapolis Prize to animal conservationists the world over, and has a sustainability initiative as well. Greg NewberryCincinnatiThe writer is president of Animal Instinct Advertising. You may have heard of this zoo, thanks to it being named the worst zoo in America in 1998. But I believe that well-run zoos, and the heroic animals that suffer their captivity, do serve a higher purpose. This Omaha zoo is committed to improving the well-being of their animals lives. Surabaya Zoo, Indonesia: Tiger fed with meat laced with formaldehyde Often referred to in the media as "the world's cruelest zoo," the Surabaya Zoo has seen one tragedy after the next in recent years -- from a young lion found hanged in his enclosure and a giraffe with plastic lining her stomach to a tiger fed with meat laced with formaldehyde. Robin R. GanzertWashingtonThe writer is president and chief executive of American Humane. The centrally located 84-acre Denver Zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals, which it sees as "ambassadors for their wild counterparts all over the world." Its also a place with rich educational activities for visitors of all ages, including school programs and opportunities to spend time with its conservation team. Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle is one of the most dedicated in the country when it comes to conservation - and is the second most award-winning zoo in that area. SILVER SPRING, Md. Animals such as African lions that bred in captivity were culled (killed) when their numbers exceeded the financial capability of the zoo to feed them. Philadelphia Zoo, PA. Singapore Zoo, Singapore. The last time I was there, the fencing and padlocks on the lion exhibit were extremely rusty. San Diego Zoo | San Diego, CA. Founded in 1916, San Diego Zoo was the first to introduce cage-less, open air enclosures that are designed to be as close as possible to the animals' natural habitats. TheNational Zoological Gardens, also known as the Pretoria Zoo, is the largest zoo in South Africa. The zoo is home to more than 2,200 animals and more than 60 endangered species. And a portion of every ticket goes toward continuing the program to assist even more species. It's a complex argument, to say the least. The Taronga Zoois home to 69 acres of land located just across Sydneys city center. These zoological institutions receive our Humane Certified seal as they meet or exceed a science-based set of criteria evaluated by independent auditors who have no stake in the outcome of their decision. Humans have kept wild animals for thousands of years. Zoos provide a critical voice for conservation and environmental protection. The Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy is committed to fighting the extinction of several endangered species and their conservation and initiatives are endless. This zoo's biggest draw may be its family of giant pandas Tian Tian, Mei Xiang, and their cub, Xiao Qi Ji but behind the scenes, there's a lot of conservation work going on. I quite agree with Emma Marris. Little Rock Zoological Gardens, Ark. . Evie Carrick is a writer and editor whos lived in five countries and visited well over 50. Surely there must be some middle ground that balances zoos treatment of animals with their educational potential. Zoo #proponents argue "the institutions are Godfrey Mchunguzi Oyema, MCIWEM C.WEM, NEBOSH LinkedIn: Are zoos ethical? It sees more than 2 million guests walk through its doors annually to visit its more than 6,000 animals. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. This Canadian zoo provides guests with an open and approachable strategic plan, as well as a master plan for the next 15 to 20 years, which can be found on their website for anyone looking to conduct their own research regarding the Toronto Zoo. This Anchorage zoo is somewhat unusual, because unlike many of the biggest and best zoos in the country that feature a wide range of habitats for all kinds of animals, the Alaska Zoo focuses purely on arctic and sub-arctic creatures. The Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska . It may be the only chance most people will be able to see various exotic animals from around the world. Im not sure which species survival plans theyre currently participating in by breeding, but Im pretty sure I remember them having Golden Lion Tamarins in the early years (an ongoing success story, with many zoos breeding them for reintroduction into protect forests in Brazil). Ive never met more dedicated people in my life. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Are any zoos ethical? At the zoo, guests can visit its chimpanzees, snow leopards, and even a few very special kiwi birds. Minnesota Zoological Garden, Minn. The Denver Zoo has been ranked as one of the best and most ethical zoos in the United States by Travel + Leisure. Obviously this is a much more expensive zoo to visit than others, but its worth keeping in mind for animal lovers. Although good TV shows can help stir childrens interest in conservation, they cannot replace the excitement of a zoo visit as an intense, immersive and interactive experience. The inspecting team observes all aspects of the facilitys operation, including animal welfare and well-being; veterinary care; keeper training; safety for visitors, staff, and animals; educational programs; conservation efforts; financial stability; risk management; guest services; and other areas. They have invested $73 million into an African Grassland which spans 28 acres. Another roadside attraction with a long history of violations and citations (but a positive, conservationist-sounding name) is the Suncoast Primate Sanctuary in Palm Harbor, Florida. But in addition to offering glimpses of tigers, lions, and gorillas, the zoological theme park has done wonders on growing its elephant and giraffe herds. (Photo courtesy of the Denver Zoo). In addition to housing animals since 1875 (it's the second-oldest zoo in the nation), the Cincinnati Zoo has a lovely botanical garden. Cincinnati has recently welcomed another new arrival to the zoo - a baby hippo named Fiona was born here in 2017. "There's a huge difference between a 'zoo' and an accredited zoo, and when you look at that list of zoos there is a big difference between animal care and conservation efforts," said Jake Kubie, a spokesperson for the Denver Zoo. Travel + Leisure magazine may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. I wouldnt go along with the Pittsburgh Zoo. For example, the animals are often kept in cramped conditions. Chicago Zoological Society - Brookfield Zoo, Ill. And while Sir David acknowledges this is true for some creatures in captivity, he argues that "to generalise about animals from all over, and of any kind, is impossible". There's something extraordinarily special about seeing some of the world's most incredible animals in one, easily accessible place. However, episode five - Humans - also exposes the damage we're doing to the natural world as a new natural force, highlighting the immense amount of work we need to do to fix climate change. https://www.waza.org/members/find-a-waza-zoo-or-aquarium/, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_zoo_associations. The Smithsonians National Zoo is 163 acres and is home to 2,700 animals. National Zoological Gardens Pretoria, South Africa. They are committed to answering some of nature's most complex questions and challenged and using that information to better the lives and wellbeing of the animals. Reports suggest that many of the animals are in poor health, and Waccatee Zoo made headlines in 2015 when a chimp passed away after being kept in isolation for 25 years, and the zoo claimed that they didnt know about the heart defect that took his life. On top of its global work, the Houston Zoo spearheads local projects to save native Texas species from extinction, including the Houston toad and the Attwater's prairie chicken. The best zoos in the world pair stellar animal experiences with conservation work. Re The Case Against Zoos, by Emma Marris (Sunday Review, June 13): Ms. Marris argues that leading zoos and aquariums spend an outsized amount on operations and construction compared with their expenditures on conservation projects.. These are mostly students who had no opportunity as children to travel to wilderness areas, wildlife refuges or national parks. Here are 20 of the best zoos that work hard to make the world a better place for people and animals. Our research provides strong support for the value of zoos in connecting people with animals and with nature. Are zoos ethical in the modern age? Giant Pandas African Elephants Polar Bears Cheetahs Spectacled Bears Bison Deer Goat Antelopes Indian Giant Bats Carinthian Sheep Long-eared Hedgehogs Queensland Koalas Southern Pygmy Mongoose So not only can you come to visit its 350 different species, but you can also take in the spectacular view. The zoo also has anin-depth species recovery program, including captive breeding of animals like the Vancouver Island marmot and the black-footed ferret. The Society takes pride in its ability to inspire and engage children, and adults to make a meaningful and positive impact on the natural world. No, it doesnt have to be in the US. Preservation Station in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. It is a tourist hotspot, and comes highly recommended when looking for things to do in this US . In the UK, all licensed zoos should conform to an 'ethical review process' which includes ensuring that captive animals are allowed to display natural behaviour. On the conservation side of things, the zoo established two institutes to further its work: the WildCare Institute, which aids initiatives that protect animals from disease, poaching, and shrinking habitats, and the Institute for Conservation Medicine, which researches the impact infectious diseases have on the long-term survival of species and the health of animals, humans, and ecosystems. Sir David's defence of zoos and aquariums comes after he backed an appeal earlier in the year which pushed to save London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo from closing down, as a result of the pandemic. Pro: Zoos can improve the lives of wild animals. Three Pandas currently live at the zoo, while six others have been bred there and returned to China. Show Me More What is the #1 zoo in the USA? This claim was false. Come see its more than 20,000 animals representing more than 1,300 species, including a few polar bears. A distressed animal in a zoo will get as good or better treatment than most of us at our local hospital. The habitats here are huge and kept as close to natural as possible. The Natural Bridge Zoo in Rockbridge County, Virginia, is more of a roadside attraction than a zoo (despite the name), and has become infamous for its poor treatment of star attraction Asha, an African elephant. If you were bored enough during the pandemic to watch the documentary Tiger King, you saw the eccentric zookeeper own and showcase Big Cats, as well as the ugly side to unethical and irresponsible zoo-keeping. Two institutions, the Henson Robinson Zoo and the Bidome de Montreal, elected to let their accreditation expire at the end of September to allow for construction and other internal improvements before seeking accreditation for another five years. I wont speculate on what that says about the way theyd have to control the elephants if a zoo keeper is in there with them. Located in Omaha, Nebraska, the Henry Doorly Zoo is famous for its huge geodesic dome. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Sitting on 724 acres of rolling hills in Somerset County, the International Conservation Center (ICC), is North Americas premier facility for African elephant conservations, education, training, breeding, and research. Zoo #proponents argue "the institutions are With pros and cons linked to #zoos, are these conservation and research tools still relevant? Godfrey Mchunguzi Oyema, MCIWEM C.WEM, NEBOSH auf LinkedIn: Are zoos ethical? LinkedIn What do we have to do to persuade people that that's the case?". This is something highlighted again and again by campaigners such as Freedom For Animals and PETA. Chicago Zoological Society is world-renown for its cutting-edge role in animal care and conservation. While management has changed since then, it seems that the conditions that the animals have been kept in hasnt changed nearly enough. Ive specialized in zoo and aquarium marketing as a consultant for 20 years, working directly with animal keepers and their animals to produce commercials that feature everything from sharks to lemurs. These are zoos where visitors can feel good about where their money is going, while still enjoying the chance to see wild animals up close, and share that experience with kids. Catching a glimpse of your favorite animals up close can be a thrilling experience. Do they have to be in the US or anywhere in particular? If we heat the earth so the Arctic melts, every city will be under water," he adds during the interview. Of those 700, they are home to giant pandas, making them unique to the world. Peoria Zoo, Ill. Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, Wash. Potter Park Zoological Gardens, Mich. Pueblo Zoo, Colo. Racine Zoological Gardens, Wis. Riverside Discovery Center, Neb. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. In 2016, Oklahoma City Zoo made headlines when they took in two Asian elephants from Seattles Woodland Park, after that zoo decided to close their elephant exhibit. Granted the zoo resembled a menagerie in its past, the zoo has transformed since 1980. Henry Doorly Zoo, NE. Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. As part of the Zoos Master Plan, exhibits were recreated throughout the last 40 years to ensure the most suitable environment for the animals. They have several rare and endangered animals, such as the vulnerable newborn sloth bear, endangered Amur tigers, and critically endangered black and white ruffed lemurs. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. To see the animals no longer able to roam, pacing in small areas, is too cruel to watch. London Zoo is the oldest scientific zoo in the world, and the Zoological Society was anxious to see what the most powerful person in the world was to make of their rhinos, elephants, and. The zoology program at my State University of New York campus attracts students for whom zoo visits were the crucial formative experience that led them to major in biological sciences. Outside of the US, I can name Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai and the Australian Walkabout Wildlife Sanctuary in NSW. Just make sure to take a little time to learn about the zoosimpressive global conservation workwhile youre there. AZA is the accrediting body for the top zoos and aquariums in the United States and eight other countries. Toledo Zoological Gardens, Ohio Both the wildlife park and zoo claimed to be operating for the benefit of the animals and for conservation purposes. (Still, itscheetah cubsare pretty cute.). The zoo's scientists constantly monitor animal behavior to improve their welfare, and have conservation initiatives set up all over the world. A proposed bill in the state legislature would raise the minimum age for purchasing a firearm in Colorado from 18 to 21, if passed into law. Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, PA. San Diego Zoo, CA. "It's important for our visitors and our members to know what we do both for animals at the zoo and around the world, because we want them to know that their support goes directly to these critical components of what we do, so a recognition like this is amazing.". The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) plays a monumental role in saving wildlife species from extinction. In addition to Australia House (emus, wombats, and kangaroos) and Habitat Africa (giraffes, antelope, and crocodiles), there's an ambassador program where guests can attend zoo chats and demonstrations led by animal care specialists. 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most ethical zoos in the world