Zoo: behind bars Imagine a wild animal, for example an elephant. He has all the freedom in the world. Suddenly, the elephant is trapped and taken away from his family. He is placed in a small crate, unable to move, hungry and alone for what seems like years. When the elephant is finally let out, all he can see are the bars of the cage and the children looking at the elephant as if he were wallpaper. There are over 2,000 zoos in America alone. The animals do not come from America and were taken from their natural habitats. Some people think zoos are fun and help preserve endangered animals. However, this is how they are becoming endangered, because they are in zoos. Zoos are inhumane because animals have to suffer to get there, they are not cared for in zoos, and they are not able to live life naturally. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay First of all, animals have to suffer before they even get to the zoo. According to Born Free USA, “many are captured from their natural habitat and smuggled in or imported legally.” Traffickers take animals from their homes and harm them, even though this is illegal. They are using animals to get money. Born Free USA also stated: “Trafficking of rare and exotic wildlife is a global business, worth $10-20 billion per year.” The traffic has become great and is not good for the animals. For example, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) wrote, “parrots may have their beaks and legs taped and placed in plastic tubes that can easily be hidden in luggage.” The parrot may suffocate in the tubes and experience severe pain. The pain for animals begins long before they arrive at the zoo. In addition to the pain while arriving at the zoo, the animals are neglected once they reach the zoo. PETA wrote: “Precious funds that should be used to provide more humane conditions for animals are often squandered on aesthetic improvements – such as landscaping, dining options and gift shops – in order to attract visitors.” The money should go to benefit the animals, getting pleasant living spaces, plenty of food and protecting themselves from destructive visitors, since it is they who attract customers. PETA also reported that the zoo's compartments are "tiny, dirty and sterile enclosures." If animals live in terrible conditions, how will they not be in danger? While speaking about zoo animals being injured in their cells, Christian Draper, captive wildlife program director at Born Free USA, said, “responsible facilities would do their best to minimize these things. However, some are irresponsible and this can lead to the animal getting injured.” In zoos, animals are not cared for and this greatly affects the animals. Finally, animals in zoos are unhappy. PETA said “the animals are strictly confined, lack privacy, and have extremely limited opportunities for mental stimulation or physical exercise.” Animals are not capable of living a “normal” life as a wild animal. Instead of running around freely, foraging for food themselves, and making their own choices, animals must sit still, behave, and wait until they receive food, even if they are hungry before that time. PETA investigations have shown that 88% of animals in zoos become depressed, lonely or anxious, thus shortening their lifespan. Sociologist Eric Jensen conducted a study and found that the.