The life of
marine mammals living in the wild is quite different than the life of marine
mammals living in captivity. Marine mammals rely on their sense of sound to
survive. In the wild, marine mammals use echolocation to locate mates,
communicate, escape predators, and much more. However, in captivity, marine
mammals hardly use echolocation at all. Their concrete or glass enclosures
reflect sounds. They have to listen to their tank’s filtration systems and
pumps, music, fireworks, and people yelling and clapping every day. In the
wild, dolphins can swim 40-100 miles a day. In captivity, they’re limited to
swimming in circles.
As for zoo animals, a government-funded study of elephants in UK zoos found that 75% of elephants were overweight and only 16% could walk normally, the rest having numerous degrees of lameness. Less than 20% were completely free of foot problems.
Also, zoos cannot provide enough space for the wild animals, especially for the species who roam larger distances in their natural habitat. Tigers and lions have around 18,000 times less space in zoos than they would in the wild. Polar bears have one million times less space!
As for zoo animals, a government-funded study of elephants in UK zoos found that 75% of elephants were overweight and only 16% could walk normally, the rest having numerous degrees of lameness. Less than 20% were completely free of foot problems.
Also, zoos cannot provide enough space for the wild animals, especially for the species who roam larger distances in their natural habitat. Tigers and lions have around 18,000 times less space in zoos than they would in the wild. Polar bears have one million times less space!