Future zoos: Phasing out zoos to make room for wildlife sanctuaries

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• November 29, 2021

The ethicality of zoos has sparked a nuanced debate about their necessity and role in modern society. While some zoos have made strides in animal welfare and conservation, many fall short, focusing more on visitor attraction than meaningful contributions to wildlife preservation. As public sentiment shifts, the future may see zoos transitioning to sanctuaries and leveraging technology for immersive, animal-friendly experiences, potentially reshaping our relationship with wildlife.

Future zoos context

Discussion surrounding the ethicality of zoos has gained considerable traction during the 2010s. This conversation, once a simple binary of right versus wrong, has evolved into a more nuanced debate, reflecting the complexity of the issue. A growing number of people are questioning the very necessity of zoos in our modern society. This shift in public sentiment is driven by a deeper understanding of animal rights, the natural habitats of wildlife, and the role of conservation in preserving biodiversity.

Despite the controversy, it's important to acknowledge the instances where zoos have played a significant role in bolstering wildlife populations. Notable examples include the resurgence of the red wolf and the black-footed ferret populations, both of which were on the brink of extinction. However, these success stories are becoming less frequent, raising concerns about the overall effectiveness of zoos in conservation efforts

Many zoos are found wanting when it comes to prioritizing animal welfare. Often, they are constrained by limited resources and a lack of expertise in animal care and conservation. The focus, instead, tends to shift towards attracting more visitors, with the birth of baby animals being used as a major draw. This approach, while beneficial for revenue generation, does little to contribute to meaningful conservation efforts.

Disruptive impact

As the public's understanding of animal welfare evolves, zoos that prioritize the well-being of their inhabitants could potentially set a new standard for animal care in captivity. Take, for example, the work of Jake Veasey, a conservation biologist and animal welfare scientist, who dedicated four years to revamping Calgary Zoo in Canada. His efforts focused on enhancing enclosures and simulating natural behaviors like foraging and hunting, creating a more authentic environment for the animals. Similarly, the Philadelphia Zoo introduced a trail system allowing animals to roam freely, while the Jacksonville Zoo expanded its enclosures to provide more space for animal groups, fostering a more immersive environment.

The shift towards prioritizing animal welfare may foster a deeper appreciation for wildlife and the importance of conservation, potentially influencing consumer behavior and lifestyle choices. Businesses, particularly those in the tourism and entertainment sectors, may need to adapt their practices to align with evolving societal values. Governments may face pressure to enact stricter regulations on animal captivity and to allocate more resources towards conservation efforts.

However, as animal activism gains momentum, the ultimate goal appears to be transitioning from zoos to sanctuaries. These sanctuaries would minimize human interaction and breeding, providing a more natural environment for captive animals to live out their lives. This shift could redefine our relationship with wildlife, emphasizing respect and preservation over entertainment.

Implications of future zoos

Wider implications of future zoos may include:

• More wildlife sanctuaries that would allow visitors to only observe from safe distances.
• Zoos relying on 3D virtual technologies and 24/7 live drone animal surveillance footage to demonstrate wildlife behavior instead of displaying actual animals. Such technologies could also contribute to the growth of online-only zoos.
• More in-depth animal activism tours that would focus on how to best contribute to conservation programs.
• A surge in social activism inspiring more people to advocate for animal rights and environmental conservation.
• Eco-conscious travelers becoming more inclined to visit animal-friendly establishments.
• Stricter regulations on zoos leading to a significant overhaul of the legal landscape surrounding animal captivity.
• Younger generations who are more attuned to animal welfare issues becoming the primary audience, leading to a shift in educational and engagement strategies.
• A shift in demand toward professions specializing in animal welfare and conservation.
• The preservation of local flora and foster a more balanced ecosystem within the zoo.

Questions to consider

• Do you agree that wildlife sanctuaries should replace zoos? Or should we ban all forms of animal captivity?
• How else do you think zoos can improve to prioritize animal welfare?