The Great Debate: Zoos vs. Sanctuaries

– Shivaan Darda

Imagine being stuck in your house forever. Sure, it’s cosy, but you might start eyeing the door after the hundredth rerun of your favourite show. That’s the argument animal rights groups make against traditional zoos — and boy, the debate is lively.

Zoos have existed since 2500 BCE (yes, that far back!), but their role today is under major scrutiny. A 2021 study by World Animal Protection found that 75% of animals in here suffer from poor mental health, showing signs of stress like pacing, over-grooming, and even self-harm.

On the other hand, according to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), its accredited members contribute over $160 million annually to conservation efforts. Plus, zoos often run vital breeding programs for endangered species — the California condor, for instance, went from just 27 birds in 1987 to over 500 today.

Meanwhile, animal sanctuaries focus on rescuing animals from abusive situations, illegal pet trades, and yes, sometimes even bad zoos. Here’s the kicker: they don’t breed animals for public display. They aim to let animals live out their lives in peace, not pose for selfies. However, sanctuaries have their challenges. They rely heavily on donations (some operating on shoestring budgets) and can’t always house the massive numbers of animals needing help.
So who wins? Honestly, it’s complicated. But whether it’s a zoo or a sanctuary, one thing is clear: the world’s animals deserve better than cramped cages and life as a side show. The question is, how ready are we to change the way we think about wild things?