Why Zoos & Captivity are Not Conservation

Zoochosis: the mental illness that develops in animals held captive in zoos. Most often, it is seen in what are called stereotypical behaviors, which are often obsessive, repetitive actions that serve no purpose.

Zoochosis is displayed through a wide variety of diverse stereotypical behaviors. These include, but are not limited to:

Pacing

Circling

Rocking back and forth

Swaying

Head-bobbing

Over-grooming

Hair-pulling and feather-plucking

Bar-biting

Excessive licking

Vomiting and regurgitation

Playing with excrement

Eating disorders such as anorexia

Addiction

Self-harm

The history of zoos is rooted in the archaic practice of poaching animals from other countries to be seen in person. The first zoos were started by wealthy individuals to highlight their status. The current model of zoos was established in the 18th century as a way to study animals, not conserve their species. But today’s focus is much more on entertainment than education. Not increasing public interest in wildlife conservation. Zoos & aquariums have embodied the anthropocentric manipulation of the natural world that lies behind habitat destruction & species extinction.