Why Should Endangered Animals Be Kept in Captivity?

Zoological gardens, or zoos, are often a major attraction of big cities across the United States. According to the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, more than 600 million visitors enter zoos every year, and with each visitor exists an opportunity to educate.

Endangered species are kept in captivity to help educate the public about the need for conservation efforts, to provide research opportunities and to replenish population numbers with breeding programs. The ultimate goal is to be able to re-release the animals in a restored natural habitat.

  1. Protect Endangered Species

    • The Endangered Species Act of 1973 places value on all species of wildlife and plants, stating that they are "of aesthetic, ecological, educational, historical, recreational, and scientific value to the Nation and its people." Zoos participate in the effort to protect endangered species by keeping them safe from harm, breeding them and providing medical care should illness arise.

    Educate the Public

    • A major part of the conservation efforts of endangered species depends on educating the public about the animals. Zoos provide a way for the general public to learn about and view endangered animals. Conservation of habitats and species becomes more pressing when a person actually sees an animal that needs help.

    Breeding Programs

    • The American Zoo Association has developed Species Survival Plans that focus on maintaining diverse endangered species populations throughout zoos in the United States. Breeding the animals is a way to ensure their survival in captivity, as well as in the wild.

    Prevent Breeding Bottlenecks

    • In the wild, an endangered species typically breeds within a small gene pool due to the low population diversity in an area. Breeding programs in captivity offer a wider selection of genetic material and prevent "bottlenecks." Bottlenecks occur when an animal population dies down to a few individuals, who then reproduce. Numbers of the species increase, but the lack of genetic diversity leaves them susceptible to disease.

    Science and Research

    • Aside from the breeding programs, zoos also help scientists learn crucial facts about an endangered species. This information translates into ways we can preserve their natural habitat and potentially release some individuals back into the wild. The research also enriches our understanding of the world and its ecosystems.