Why We Need Zoos | Gabriela Mastromonaco | TEDxToronto
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ต.ค. 2014
- This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. There are various schools of thought surrounding zoos and their purpose. Skeptics argue that it’s unethical to remove wild animals from their natural habitat to be put on display, but proponents of zoos stress that they serve a critical scientific purpose. In this TEDxTalk, Dr. Gabriella Mastromonaco explains that zoos play a vital role in preserving endangered species, and that they have a responsibility to explore the use of reproductive technologies to sustain animal populations that are currently threatened in the wild. Dr. Mastromonaco asks: If you had the opportunity to save an endangered species, would you just turn your back and walk away?
Dr. Mastromonaco has worked at the Toronto Zoo managing reproductive programs for the past seven years. With over fifteen years of experience in the field of assisted reproductive technologies, she has worked on a variety of domestic and non-domestic species, and even humans. Her primary focus is to understand the differences in reproductive biology of diverse species and apply that knowledge to help
preserve threatened and endangered species.
About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)
Chicago has one of the last free zoos in the country, Lincoln Park Zoo, which is open to all. I worked there for a time and realized that one of the benefits of this zoo was that often homeless and mentally challenged people would come and just sit near the animals. For vulnerable, fragile people, being able to be near animals in a safe place was a healing and positive experience.
Love that story thank you ❤❤❤
I think I’m the only one here jotting notes for my debate class T-T
nope lmao
@@jjrhwy3376 Welp-
You are not hahahha
ur not alone
I am here also for my debate tommorow
I can see lot of people reacting very emotionally here in the discussion. Interestingly, the more knowledgeable a person is about animals, the more they're likely to view zoos as highly valuable establishments in terms of both conservation and educating the public.
Jane Goodall, E. O. Wilson, or Sir David Attenborough all agree on that. I think no sane person would ever attempt to call these people out on a lack of zoological knowledge, lack of concern for animal welfare, or lack of profound love of animals or on misunderstanding animal needs and their natural behavior.
Who are the celebrities who are on the fore front of the battle against zoos? Actresses, models, singers, socialites. People who are likely to scream when they see a spider in their bedroom. People who never spent years seriously studying animals and trying to really understand their needs.
I think, this says a lot.
Actually, that's not true. There's a lot of scientific evidence that disagrees with many of these topics. You'll find that a lot of ecologists disagree with in-situ zoos being a truly good role in conservation. Making a sweeping statement about the people who disagree with in-situ conservation...I'm studying ecology right now, and the vast majority of my class, and lecturers, agree that in-situ zoos are not that great a success story for wildlife conservation. There are a few who disagree, of course with some scientific evidence to back it up. However, to say that anyone who truly studies and understands animals will agree that zoos ARE good, is far fetched and ridiculous.
I absolurely agree with you, Ive been researching animals since I was 13 and new even then that my only place is working with animals and ensuring their wellbeing as well as conservation I have looked into this issue for a very long time and found that those who oppose zoos dont seem to have another solution to environmental issues other than to stop doing the things that damage our ecosystem which it is extremely difficult to do this on a scale large enough that would allow zoos to close down. While I largely support zoos, as an animal lover, I would love to see a world that we do not need them but that just isnt possible right now. We need zoos.
You nailed your point you earned my like!
Suzy Roadkill well, to be fair. Zoos are better known for EX-suti conservation then in-suti!
Only around 25% of the animals in zoos are endangered, the rest of them are just there for entertainment. The environment they live in also often leads up to them having problems with reproducing and reproducing healthy babies. This is because their habits in zoos often don’t meet their need to express their natural behaviors. There are a lot of reports of self harms amongst the animals in zoos. Their argument that they exist because of a conservation purpose has failed.
Zoos are important, but zoos should be more critically maintained and there should be stricter laws that protect the welfare of the animals.
Yes
There's the aza. Just go to zoos that are aza certified
Yup
Well said.
I agree Zoos should not be banned. But zoos like San Diego Zoo, Australia Zoo and Bronx Zoo Are some of the best zoos in the world's as they provide tons of space in their enclosures and cares for the animals
im here for my English debate, who else?
me
Yeah, English lesson about debating for zoos
same
mee im doing an argument essay for english TnT
me for researching animal captivities
We're practically stuck with zoos. Natural habitats are dying, and so zoos, safaris, and national parks are the only way to preserve wildlife.
Shotgunner national parks are still natural habitats, I do get what you’re saying though
If we save the habitats we wouldn't need zoos 🤷♀️ good point tho
So give the animals back their habitats instead 🤦♀️. But humans dont seem to ever care about that and they build establishments to keep animals instead. It is literally enslaving them. Protect forests
No its not enslaving its saving, plus though many zoos like road side zoos and circus should be closed, many other zoos great animals better than we treat other humans, if you cant see that then you might as well be One of those woke ignorante who say stuff for the sake of saying it
@@tiagovaz8707 you see tho- the animals don't belong in zoos in the first place? Their natural home is the wild. So yes, in a way it is enslaving them, even if they're treated well
I'm studing zoos and u sometimes need them and sometimes we don't
Immar Villatoro regulated zoos are definitely essential to conservation
It ultimately depends on the zoo. If the animals are treated well and have big enclosures with a good habitat then it’s fine
@
Leo Kwak
Yes it does. North Carolina Zoo has a 11-acre bison and elk enclosure. 3 acre giraffe and zebra enclosure. 40 acre elephant, rhino and antelope enclosure.
It just depends in the zoo
Yup like San Diego zoo
true
Some zoos kill their extra animals. But i agree
It dont matter which zoo. They are still in prison one million times smaller than the area they would naturally roam.
People who support zoos are just selfish and cruel. At the same time shows human personality and logic in a nutshell.
@@Mara941 so we should let species just die off ? No lmao hold them captive until they make more; it’s a sacrifice multiple animals have to make to extend future generations. Sad , but their sacrifice will be worth it !
Gotta love looking at random TEd talks for social studies. Joy.
I like wildlife sanctuaries and conservations better because it gives them more space and a more natural habitat.
most good zoos havre a lot of space
@@antipetaassociation4279 yup
Zoos raise the most awareness for animal conservation. Most zoos take very good care of their animals. They are happy and protected and loved. ❤
My final english exam is about this 💀😂
My midterm is about “should we ban the zoo” 😂
This is all cool, but I think we need studies on how informed people leave a zoo about the conditions of animals and how the psychology of animals is affected in zoos, because that is something almost every zoo needs to get right, and sanctuaries are still more valuable then them.
Please stop. Sanctuaries and accedited zoos work together. Its not a competition. Sanctuaries depend on zoos and viseversa.
@@zoologygirl252 Yeah I don't understand why these organizations can't coexist and work together, just in different ways.
I really don't think we need more Tiger King.
That’s not the kind of zoo she’s talking about….
Thank you from Baltimore. I wish I could work with you.
I like how shes admitting that zoos aren't the best thing too.
Bad zoos arent but ive seen regulated zoos treat their animals better than some hospitals treat people
Tiago Vaz I agree but personally I think if you’re gonna have a zoo you should focus more on the treatment of those animals instead of having a bunch to your collection.
Well that's a hard topic for my debate :')
I know but the majority of the animals there are not endangered, and why do we put them out to the public like toys and TV? They can be helped in captivity that is not open to the public, zoos do not need to exist.
Where do you think they get the fund for foods, lands/properties, hospital bills, etc.?
It’s still good to have some non endangered animals in zoos as they may become endangered there self.
just becuase animals are not endangered doesnt mean that they still dont need conservation
they put them in public to educate people about them
And funded how? Being open to guests generates revenue which funds conservation efforts. Charity isn’t enough.
Because that’s what brings crowds and pays the bills. It’s a double edged sword, more funding helps more species but means more animals crammed in non native habitats AKA human city centers
so many peta members in this comment section
@Stonewall no ignoring a whole speech and making emotional comments does
U made a point but we don't have to see them
@@bonk4225 nah
Zoos are more important Today than ever before.
Great talk!
Explain then why lions are being exported as cubs from my country kenya to western countries....They are reserved here.
Because not all zoos are good, the concept of a zoo is good but again bad humans are bad humans for a reason
Not all zoos are good zoos the same way not all people are good people, if you cant see that then your dumber than you look
not in good zoos
im in english class watching this
Me too lol omg
How many Ferrets were released in Saskatchewan?
Simple - Someone kept you in jail and looked after you with delicious food and kind nature. Is it okayy for you ??
Here is the awnser 🙂
Simple - Someone kept you in jail and made sure you were safe from all who wished to harm or kill you.
Yeah
In my view the main purpose of zoos is to put animals on display because people are interested in looking at them and willing to pay to do so. If zoos want to change their mission to one of just providing sanctuary to animals at risk of extinction, then close down all urban zoos that have inadequate space and facilities to give animals a proper home and open wildlife sanctuaries in their native habitats with larger facilities and do not permit people to come gawk at them, yell at them, taunt them and take pictures in front of them.
My views exactly
most zoos do have santury like enirements
And how are they then supposed to get the money to care for the animals and do the expensive research to help animals in the wild without incentive for people to pay them? How are they supposed to educate people about the animals and inspire future generations to change without letting them see the animals in person and form connections, or use them as examples for education? I understand your thought process, but its heavily flawed. Zoos are not perfect, but its the best we have.
Some Zoos only have that mission, others are about conservation and recognizing that you need to show people these animals so they learn to care for them and start to conserve them.
zoos should focus on rehabilitation and conservation. if they aren’t doing that, the zoo shouldn’t exist. i rest my case.
That’s what they already do.
yes we need conservation of species but this can be done in a place that is not a zoo, entertainment based on animals is not OK.
no zoos are conservation
Sanctuaries are just zoos without conservation.
What is the anwser to the question : Why not let the animals go extinct
Corgi 23 because they’re vital to the ecosystem and without them the ecosystem will suffer
@@aryayarlagadda344 just get rid of humans then if our actions are what cause these extinction problems in the first place
Akiko213 that’s a way to do it too
That’s actually a valid question. I’m not sure many care about snake species going extinct or fly species, or bacteria species. I’d zoos were outlawed it might help creating sanctuaries for animals in their original habitats outside of captivity.
Yes and we're part of the ecosystem.
and the majority of breeding programs DON'T put the new animals back into the wild
soametimes there is no wild left to put them in
That’s because they don’t have a big enough population or because they don’t have a habitat. That is the objective goal of most breeding programs.
Ah yes let's put captive born animal in the wild,, is not like the wild have poacher and predator right? The wildlife is a paradise yaay
you cant just theow an animal in the wild and expect them to survive
If genetic protection and research is the primary goal, then build a sanctuary with massive enclosures. The doctors can all live there, do their stuff. Cut out the part about children coming to visit and the zoo making money. Children should develop empathy from a young age that an animal in captivity is nothing to feel happy about, but also understand that it must be done for genetic purposes in sanctuaries
@@tommcevoy4872 exactly. the animals should be free. you wont need money to maintain zoos.
@xi jinping yes. if every zoo had acres and acres of land, that's a separate topic. but until that happens the zoos that don't need to shut down.
@xi jinping let's stay optimistic and keep the conversations alive :)
*Tiger King tho*
Ben Wincelberg completely different kind of zoo
Tiger king zoos were for profit roadside zoos, not accredited zoos. Theres a big difference
The ferrets all died
Biodiversity is important but I rather see the faculty and specialists in the field or closer to the natural habitat than in the city. To me, you are glossing a few realities, when zoos loose funding, and it is a dismal existence for the animals. Build a cabin and lab out there. Real estate is cheap and solar power is cheaper! It's a damn forrest/desert/environment with no humans. I just think these science majors made the choice a long time ago that they didn't want to give up their city lifestyle while pursuing this subject. Admit it.
Bitter Tea Zoos fund what you are talking about; Zoo Atlanta for example owns land in Brazil to do what you talk about. All those sanctuaries that you see in Africa are funded by zoos such as Gorongosa Park. All the experts that went into the field such as Jane Goodall and Steve Irwin promote the ideology of the "modern zoo."
And money could grow on trees, i love your imaginary world
@@tiagovaz8707 Is it really that expensive to set up a tent, solar power for computers and maybe some telecommunications?
Many zoos have programs for animals in their wild habitats but if a zoos in the city they have guests who will come which means more money to help them saves more species
Zoos are like an arc- whose animals never reach dry land.
Reintegrating animals that have spent their whole life in a zoo isn't that easy.
Most animals that grew up in a zoo can't survive on their own in the wilderness. That means, if a species only exists in zoos, and no offspring learns to hunt and live in the wild, it will also only exist in zoos in the future.
Many zoos introduce young animals into the wild who haven't received the zoo care, so they can take on living in the wild without struggle. Such as hellbenders.
They should not because you are taking animals from there famileys and when you do that you make the animals cry
You know most zoos take animals from injured,orphans,sick animals or have animals they had for awhile and let them breed so more of the species of the animals will make babies which will conserve them.
they dont you peta member
Most animals from a zoo are bred at the Zoo. They are only taken from wild if they are injured or orphan. ( AZA accredited zoos)
The majority of zoo animals are not born in the wild
Fix what causes the holes in the ship and there won’t be any holes DUH
How can we repair all holes if we don´t have all time and resources what we need?
César Eduardo Jurado Badillo no resources are needed to stop purchasing animal products aka cruel absurdity.
I love it
I don't agree with that. Just think about WHY you want to save the animal species. The reason is probably that one day you want to tell your children, "Look, we have tigers". So the reason why we are doing this is because of US! Locking an animal in a cage for its whole life, just because of a brighter future. Imagine how you would feel if I lock you in jail for your whole life, just because of a brighter future for the next generation. Zoo is a business, just like any other business which is based on profit. The profit that you get is for human beings and not for animals. The animals are just the products of that business. The zookeepers' best argument is that they want to save species, but most of them keep animals whose existence is not even close to being threatened.
Please name one animal that is not currently threatened by humans that you have seen in a zoo. Even if they are not listed as threatened or of concern in the wild. Every animal in the world is suffering because of us.
But zoos are not prisons, most zoos provide amazing quality of life for animals. That’s why captive animals live longer.
@@pickles_8472 why do you believe that you need and deserve more space than the animals? If I put you in the same space for the rest of your life, I am pretty sure that you don't want to live that long. This is not quality, this is suffering. Again, we are not doing this because of animal's interests. It is only because of our own interests.
@@zoologygirl252 so what is the point of your story? Just because they are suffering by us, we should do it worse by keeping them in cages? I am not an expert, but this is definitely not the solution of that issue.
@@Ray-Zah I'm not saying I need or deserve more space, where did you get that? Also just take one look at the habitats at the san diego zoo, those are amazing for the animals. If the animals were actually suffering they would show it, but in accredited zoos it isn't like that. Yes, non accredited zoos tend to be bad but those are very scarce.
I am sorry, Ms Mastromonaco, but we cant generalize and place all zoos in the same bag. Whilst some may do valuable conservation work, other are pretty similar to cocentration camps. Zoos are being filled up with more and more species, not necessarily endangered, and nothing is being done to reinstate them back into the wild or stabilize their natural habitats. its just not profitable, apparently. So dont give us crap, please.
I agree with you
The vast majority of zoos do conservation work
All of this is just lovely, except for the facts that are obvious. 1) we have enough zoos. 2) we maintain populations of animals that are visually interesting to the public. 3) we breed animals that are easy to breed in captivity. 4) Zoos haven't changed our relentless destruction of our wild animal populations. 5) Captive-bred populations are by definition suited only for captivity. 6) Such small base populations have possibly narrowed the gene pool of these species, irrevocably. 7) Elephants 8) road-side zoos....
+AnimalLeftist is wrong on many counts. We don't have enough accredited and well resourced zoos to deal with the many conservation emergencies faced by animals. Lumping the great zoos with the roadside zoos is completely inappropriate and dishonest when evaluating the conservation work zoos do. Zoos are not doing this for the fun of it and to attract visitors... many of the species being bred for reintroduction are non-descript rather boring species but are critically endangered and often require extensive experience and support to breed for reintroduction. Zoos do it because they need to because no one else is doing it. It's not easy. Zoo populations are managed scientifically to ensure genetic viability for 100 years. That means healthy source populations to support the wild and also means that these are NOT domesticated and are suitable for reintroduction protocols.
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/salmon-hatchery-study-1.3456636
Just one example....
Again that's not a valid comparison. That's a fish farming operation and it is very different that the scientifically managed breeding in zoo conservation programs. Zoos select individual animals based on pedigree, genealogy and population mean kinship in order to preserve the maximum genetic diversity in a population. They don't just make things up as they go. Several examples... www.cbsg.org/sites/cbsg.org/files/eUpdate_Files/February_2016_EN_.pdf.
Once the CAZA stops accrediting circuses masquerading as zoos, I'll agree with you, Until then, they've only themselves to blame, for all the bad press they get.
Here's a valid example. Bowmanville Zoo.
In my province, it is legal to own exotic animals. "Zoos" like BZ are just dumping grounds for the thousands of unwanted wild "pets". I have no issue with the great zoos. They get it wrong, too.
Have friends who've worked at big zoos. Techs and vets, both. I wpn't repeat their stories.
My point with that article?
Captive breeding changes everything, whether it's a fish, or a frog, or a lion.
+AnimalLeftist The topic of whether or not zoos should exist is controversial and I can see that you feel passionately that there are problems in keeping wild animals in captivity. I understand where you are coming from and agree that there are problems, but I also think that the issues at hand cannot be explained simply because the topic is complex.
The first problem, that I think you are having particular difficulties with, is that the definition of a zoo is very vague. Zoos, as we now know them, are facilities that permanently house wild animals that are on exhibit to the public. No part of that definition includes any sort of accreditation. The only thing that accreditation works to do is provide a standard at which zoos much achieve to maintain their accreditation. Sure, accreditation helps, but it isn't necessary because accreditation doesn't make one zoo better than another. It is entirely possible for a non- accredited zoo to provide better welfare for a smaller collection of animals than an accredited zoo with a larger collection of animals. Additionally, not all zoos are able to get accreditation because earning and maintaining it can be too expensive or time consuming. Accreditation isn't just handed out to those who apply for it. It is earned through rigorous examination and costs money.
The second problem is that of the role that zoos play in conservation. This includes the choices of what species to keep and which species to breed. When most people think of zoos they think of what are known as flagship species. These are species like elephants, tigers, etc, and are better able to get the attention of the public. These species also don't necessarily need the most attention from a conservation viewpoint. But zoos work to maintain their populations within their facilities because they bring paying guests to them. This aspect is important because money earned by the zoo through guest attendance can be put to multiple uses. One of these uses to for the effort of conserving species of animals that are vital to their natural ecosystems. And most of these animals aren't the kind that most people would pay much attention to. An example of these is the Hellbender. This is a species of salamander that is native to North America and play a large role in their ecosystem, but they aren't in any way cute or attractive. In fact, it could be said that they have a face that only a mother could love. Despite this zoos, such as the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, are currently working to save the species and are able to do so with money earned from guests who visit the zoo to see their cuter, fluffier animals. Additionally, not all breeding programs pick animals based on how easy they are to breed in captivity. In general, captive breeding is difficult because there are multiple factors that affect a species capability of successfully breeding. One species that people are trying to help is the Giant Panda, and they are next to impossible to breed. These breeding programs are difficult to manage because of the small size of the populations being kept in captivity. They can only breed individuals who are not too closely related in order to prevent inbreeding. Additionally, most of the breeding programs that are done with the purpose of releasing species back into the wild to improve the wild populations are done behind the scenes. That was the case with the black- footed ferrets and the California condors. This was to prevent the animals from becoming too accustomed to humans.
But zoos aren't perfect and shouldn't be expected to be. There is only so much that they can do, and most are aware that there is work that they need to do to improve themselves. Zoos have many problems. These problems include having to choose between doing what is best for the welfare of the individuals of the animal or what is best for the species as a whole, choosing between what is best for the animals versus what is best for their guests, and more. Zoos also need to work on figuring out what there place in conservation is. Because the biggest way that zoos are able to help is by providing funding and scientific experts to conservation projects done in the wild, but most zoos don't do that. Running a zoo and knowing how to asses what is best for the welfare of the animals at the zoo is difficult and complicated.
Zoo and Animals shelter should be two different thing. I hate Zoo.
Zoos are good for the animals though. Sanctuaries are just zoos without conservation efforts
Ooooo i know give them lots of space
Because some animales make wholes in their bodys cause of zoos 😣😣😣
Immar Villatoro wtf are you talking about???
LovelyLilDevilWings 😂😂
Donut
Ikr
No
No please don't lie to people we all know why zoos created.. there is hundreds of ways to protect animals instead of stealing them from their families and showing them to the public! Animals also have wild souls and love to be free! Idk how could you steal an animal freedom to make humans enjoying their holidays!
Aza Zoos breed animals through through a species survival plan. Most animals are not taken from the wild unless they are injured or orphaned. Zoos also rescue animals from illegal pet trades. True before the idea of conservation mini zoo we're just out for profit purposes but now Aza zoos have the mission of conservation of these animals and have strict standards in their care. Not all zoos are created equal.
Most zoo animals don’t come from the wild + animals in zoos don’t have to worry about fighting to survive every day.
Zoos don’t capture animals from the wild!! Everyone thinks they do. but they don’t!!!
i work at a zoo....... blah blah blah
same as: i work in a oil field..... blah blah blah
The ecologist are SO ignorant
she is preaching the truth
@@antipetaassociation4279
Yes she is. People against zoos (Who I call Ecologist) are so ignorants
I worked in zoos, national parks and reserves for years.
People don't understand how important rol have zoos in the preservation of nature
@@GastonMaqueda very true
I am still inbetween. Honestly, is anyone going to mention HARAMBE?
Lucia Rodriguez harambe was a terrible accident
"Why WE need zoos", even the title got it wrong. It's not about WE, it's about animals! Respect their fucking existence and leave them alone.
TGM_OST "WE" as in the collective planet, not "WE" as in humans.
Why do you think they shouldn't be viewed? Good views for visitors shouldn't be the zoos priority, but if you can keep the animals in the right conditions and still have people watch them? I agree, they need more space, but simply bigger housing isn't enough, that space has to be covered in vegetation, rocks, water, nooks and crannies... many things for the animals to interact with , a zoo with that type of enclosures and oneway glass could be nice, that way animals wouldn't feel like they are being watched and they can act more naturally.
I won’t even listen to her. Just look.at.her.
she has good points
Zoos are prison for animals. Yes, not all prisons are the same, some are better than others. Zoos should be sanctuaries and education centers.
this is silly, the zoos I have grown up going to are much nicer that so called "sanctuaries". I encourage you to look into the San Diego safari park and see if that changes your mind. the so called "sanctuaries" just figured out that its better branding to try and make themselves look better and put zoos down but they are really the same thing.
YES , I SUPPORT YOU
SORRY , I AM BRAZILIAN , I NO HAVING A GOOD ENGLISH
Ohhhh I didn’t realise that anonymous commenters who can’t find a life to fill their precious time are more educated than a renowned zookeeper who has first hand experience with these animals every damn day 🤯🤯🤯🤯 I must now turn to whatever you think as you clearly know more than her😑😑😑😑😑😑
You do know zoos have saved countless animals and that sanctuaries are just zoos with different names, right?..
Propaganda.
just like peta
like peta
She didn’t mention go vegan to save animals...🙃
Meat bad, grass good
Because not eat the cow who is already dead don't help
Nope
This lady should be kept in prison for a month then let's ask the same question.
Earlier information can't be given to masses so zoos were their but today it can be easily provided.
It is wrong to keep animals imprisoned.
Rockzzzv In a perfect world I completely agree with you, but the truth is in our world habitats are being cut down, animals are being killed and their body parts are sold as fake medicine, and those same species you see in the zoo would go extinct.
Make the cell big, now wait
animals have acres of land so that's a pretty big prison
you petamebers hould get help
Zoos are not prisons though.
THIS IS JUST DUMB #hatersgonnahate
Great argument eh?