Offspring
There is also the problem of genetic range. In small populations there can be problems related to inbreeding, which can result in genetically weaker offspring. These offspring are more vulnerable and less likely to survive in the wild. Captive bred animals have often missed out on valuable lessons their wild parents would have taught them and therefore often do not have the instincts or knowledge to survive in the wild.
Life in a Zoo
Zoo enclosures are typically lacking the animals’ needs. For example, the average enclosure size for mammals in UK zoos is one hundred times smaller than their minimum home range in the wild. Confining animals in artificial and often small enclosures inside zoos is stressful and causes them harm. Animals in zoos are bored and lonely creatures who spend their days shuffling, swaying and pacing back and forth, their eyes sad and empty.
Other stereotype behaviors displayed as a result of intense boredom and suffering include rocking, over-grooming, mutilation, neck twisting, chewing and bar biting, hyper-aggression, abnormal motherly behavior and feeding disorders.
There is also the problem of genetic range. In small populations there can be problems related to inbreeding, which can result in genetically weaker offspring. These offspring are more vulnerable and less likely to survive in the wild. Captive bred animals have often missed out on valuable lessons their wild parents would have taught them and therefore often do not have the instincts or knowledge to survive in the wild.
Life in a Zoo
Zoo enclosures are typically lacking the animals’ needs. For example, the average enclosure size for mammals in UK zoos is one hundred times smaller than their minimum home range in the wild. Confining animals in artificial and often small enclosures inside zoos is stressful and causes them harm. Animals in zoos are bored and lonely creatures who spend their days shuffling, swaying and pacing back and forth, their eyes sad and empty.
Other stereotype behaviors displayed as a result of intense boredom and suffering include rocking, over-grooming, mutilation, neck twisting, chewing and bar biting, hyper-aggression, abnormal motherly behavior and feeding disorders.
