Locking them up is bad, agreed but unless the countries where they originally come from isn't taking care of their habitat, it's at least somewhat ok. AFAIK they are critically endangered, so high likelihood of going extinct.
Modern Zoos try really hard to make spaces large enough, give them areas that are 100% private and lots of complex tasks to do each day to either get food or toys.
SOME modern zoos. In America, institutions that are accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) are required to do what you’re describing. Minimum space requirements, quality shelter, enrichment activities, on-site medical staff, well trained keepers (it’s actually pretty difficult to get a job as a keeper in an AZA facility because everyone wants them), high focus on conservation and education, and they are generally part of species survival, reintroduction, rehabilitation and/or research programs.
A committee visits a zoo or aquarium over multiple days and inspects EVERYTHING. They do this every 5 years (or as a surprise if they get a tip about something) and will rescind accreditation if standards are not maintained.
Less than 10% of people/facilities with an animal exhibitors license in the US are AZA accredited. Other countries have equivalent organizations, that may or may not hold as rigorous standards, however there are currently 24 international AZA members and that number is growing.
Being AZA accredited is a good thing, but there are plenty of zoos that aren't AZA accredited but still do great work. There are also some really rough zoos in America.
You aren’t wrong, this is just the easiest way for someone to tell. Like I’ve told friends and family that want to take their kids to the zoo, but don’t really have the time or interest to read up on it, to look for the AZA logo. It’s a good way for people who sort of care to support good places.
Plenty of non-accredited places are good too, it just requires a little more research to determine that. It can look nice on the surface but have shady practices behind the scenes.
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u/photenth Mar 03 '25
Locking them up is bad, agreed but unless the countries where they originally come from isn't taking care of their habitat, it's at least somewhat ok. AFAIK they are critically endangered, so high likelihood of going extinct.
Modern Zoos try really hard to make spaces large enough, give them areas that are 100% private and lots of complex tasks to do each day to either get food or toys.