Cronin, A. M. (2016). Does keeping animals captive help kids learn how to respect them? One Green Planet.
The article argues that keeping animals as captives has educational benefits and an adverse impact on children. The author gives an example of SeaWorld, where animals like dolphins and orcas are kept. In this article, Cronin (2016) claims that animals greatly inspire kids. When children are exposed to these sea animals, they learn to respect them. Most of the children love the living and the behavior of the animals such that some, even after they grow up to adults, already have some interest in visiting these captives. This has a positive impact on zoo owners, especially those who use them to raise money. This article will provide me with useful information that I will use in my essay introduction part to make the learners understand the effect of keeping animal captives on children.
Fobar, R. (2019). Hundreds of zoos and aquariums are accused of mistreating Animals. National Geographic.
Zoos and aquariums which does not meet the required standards are mistreating the animals. Some of the occasions where these animals have been mistreated include making elephants play basketball, wearing monkey and chimpanzees clothes, and taking photos with them. According to Fobar (2019), only zoos and aquariums that meet the animals welfare standards should be accredited. Fobar (2019) argues that some zoos have violated animals rights by making their habitats too small, not focusing on animal interest but their interest in raising money. Even these animals are denied the right to choose what they want. This information establishes the context for the topic and will be useful. The introductory paragraphs of the research inform readers of the mistreatment animals experience.
Godinez, A. M., & Fernandez, E. J. (2019). What is the zoo experience? How zoos impact a Visitors behaviors, perceptions, and conservation efforts. Frontiers in Psychology, 10(1746), 1-8.
Modern zoos try to educate visitors about zoo animals and how visitors are more interested in these animals natural behavior. Zoos play a significant role in the conversation of the environment. When visitors visit the accredited zoos for the purpose of entertainment, they give some money which is then used to develop these animals habitat, especially if the animals are those that like staying on trees, they are planted. Furthermore, even keeping and taking care of these animals is a part of environment conservation. The source is very useful to my essay because it provides sufficient information to the reader on any information concerning zoos.
Kagan, R., Allard, S., & Carter, S. (2018). What is the future for zoos and aquariums? Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 21(1), 59-70.
Animal welfare has shown great concern for animals in zoos and aquariums. For the past decade, animals rights in a zoo have been found to have been violated. Still, according to this article, their welfare is currently being. If the rights and welfare of animals in zoos and aquariums are properly observed, the world association of zoos and aquariums will have no issues with these zoo fields. As a result, most of them will be accredited. Zoo being a form of entertainment to many people will generate a lot of money for the owners, thus creating more zoos and aquariums for visitors. This will positively influence the growth of zoos and aquariums across the world. This article will be useful to the conclusion of my essay since it gives a summary of zoos and aquariums.
Kuehn, B. M. (2002). Is it ethical to keep animals in zoos? American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Some people believe that keeping animals in zoos is a violation of these creatures right to liberty. Others believe keeping animals in is diminishing their lives, and zoos being a form of entertainment is not an apparent reason to keep them captive. So, they treat these acts to be wrong. On the other hand, Dr. Hutchin argues that keeping animals in zoos has an advantage of environment conservation when the welfare of these animals has been observed. He says combining zoos and aquariums conservation and educational benefits makes keeping animals in zoos ethical. Kuehn argues that people find it hard to visit zoos where the welfare of the animals is not observed. People find it to be ethically wrong to visit fields where captives are suffering. In this article, it is ethical to keep animals in zoos, but the field must ensure they meet the standards to keep and maintain the welfare of the captives. This source is very useful when writing my essay thesis paragraph since it gives the readers the overall ethical views of different people.
Learmonth, M. J. (2019). Dilemmas for natural living concepts of zoo animal welfare. Animals, 9(6), 318.
This article focuses on the dilemmas encountered in zoologist institutions. Learmonth argues it is sometimes challenging to change the behavior of some animal completely. The article further explains that some animals take time to adapt to the new environment. Some even fear showing their natural behavior in zoos. It is also known that human to animal interaction is natural, but it is not important to animals who initiate this interaction. This article will be very useful in my essay since it summarizes the difficulties zoologists go through.
Pierce, J., & Bekoff, M. (2018). A post zoo future: Why welfare fails animals in zoos. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 21(1), 43-48.
This article tends to review the discussion held in zoos, which are more of increasing the animals but not the problems these animals face. Pierce argues that zoos and aquariums claiming to have met the standards should ensure they do not keep animals that do not perform in their field and stop moving animals around one zoo to another. They should also ensure they do not kill healthy animals. The source is very useful in the essay because it will make the reader understand the welfare of animals in captives.
Powell, D. M. & Watters, J. V. (2017). The evolution of the animal welfare movement in the U.S. Zoos and aquariums. Der Zoologische Garten, 86(1-6), 219-234.
Welfare has emerged to be of great concern across the world. According to Powell, experts working in zoos and aquariums are very focused on the welfare of animals for a long time, as they work to improve farming to improve animals species. The article gathered information from literature and zoological firms and found that the evolution of the zoological profession focuses on animal welfare in the United States. The zoos challenges have been addressed, and they appreciate solutions. This source provides information on the current situation of modern zoos.
References
Cronin, A. M. (2016). Does keeping animals captive help kids learn how to respect them? One Green Planet. Web.
The paper below focuses on the barriers to setting up a safari zoo in the UAE. The report seeks to identify how animal zoo may be effectively established and managed in the UAE. Through this, the study will identify the animals that are more likely to be comfortable in the zoo. Similarly, the study will highlight on how the zoo should be modified to ensure that the animals wellbeing and rights are upheld. As such, issues with respect to shortage of space, well-beings of animals, unpleasant smell, and the UAEs weather will be identified.
The research is worth studying because its findings will offer means of setting up a reputable safari zoo that meets the international conservancy regulations. In the gulf region, safari zoos are one of the best family destinations. They offer amusement and education opportunities in a natural out-of-door settings (Vine 12).
Through the study, it can be revealed whether the current animal zoos in the UAE are well managed considered that a number of challenges exist. Equally, through the study it will be known whether the current animal zoos in the country infringe on animals rights. Based on the above illustrations, it is apparent that a comprehensive research on the subject should be carried out before setting up a new venture in the region. The findings obtained from this study may also be used in improving the management of the existing animal zoos. The research is divided into two parts. In the first part, barriers faced when establishing safari zoo are highlighted. The second part focuses on the means to address the barriers.
Barriers to sustainable development
According to Tuyl, a number of challenges have affected the peoples behaviour and decisions with respect to setting up safari zoos in the UAE (Tuyl 10). Space constraint is a major decision that should be considered before setting up an animal zoo in the UAE. In the last few decades, the country has witnessed rapid urbanization. Usually, zoos are set up in urban regions to serve the needs of the city dwellers (Tuyl 12). Therefore, in the country zoo investors have to face huge competition for space with real estate developers. In this regard, it will be expensive to acquire space in the region pushing up the cost of setting up the venture.
Tuyl notes that the issue of space constraints also implies that zoos in the region will experience clarity of view challenges (Tuyl 12). Unlike in the wild, animals in the zoos are kept in cages. As such, the cages are made of heavy metal bar and mesh to prevent the animals from escaping. Similarly, the cages are meant to protect the visitors from being attacked by the animals. The cages prevent the visitors from having a clear view of the animals.
Tuyl suggests that aanother issue that will be faced when setting up a zoo in the region is how to get rid of the unpleasant smell of the animal excreta (Tuyl 17). The zoos floors are made of concrete floors. After the animals have soiled the floors, zookeepers should clean the floors to keep germs, stench, and diseases at bay. Given that in the region, space is a vital issue cleaning would be an uphill task. Similarly, visitors hours will be interrupted for cleaning to be carried out.
Another challenge that will be faced while setting up the zoo is UAEs hot weather conditions. Unlike in the tropics, where a number of the animals in the zoo will be sourced from, temperatures in the region are so high. The above imply that without proper ventilation and other cooling mechanisms the animals in the zoo would not survive. Therefore, before setting up the venture, the investor should ensure that proper ventilation and cooling mechanisms are installed. The cost of installing and managing such services is higher. Therefore, the cost of setting up a zoo in the region will be higher compared to doing so in tropical countries.
According to Vine, the above challenges were faced while setting up Dubais Safari Park (Vine 78). Due to space constraints, some animals have been forced to live in cages. Viewing and taking pictures of the animals in the cage has not been easy as clarity is obscured by the mesh. Owing to this, a number of visitors attest to the fact that their experience in the zoo was less thrilling compared to in wild parks and reserves.
Another challenge faced in Dubais Safari Park is stench smell (Vine 82). To reduce the stench smell, the zookeepers wash the animal cages twice in a day. Similarly, the zoo floors are divided into two. One part is made of concrete floor. The other part is made up of sand floors. The sand floors are changed frequently. As such, the cost of maintaining and cleaning such floors in EAE is higher compared to zoos in tropical countries that have natural floors.
An additional problem experienced in Dubais Safari Park is poor ventilation. Because the zoo is situated in an arid region, the temperatures in the zoo are very high (Vine 85). With limited space and high temperatures, the zoo experiences ventilation challenges. The issue has aggravated the unpleasant smell in the zoo. To reduce on the issue, the zookeepers use the disinfectants when washing the floors. Similarly, trees have been planted in the zoo to keep the temperatures down. Owing to this initiative, the temperatures in the zoo have reduced by two degrees compared to the external environment.
An additional issue experienced in Dubais Safari Park is how to meet the animals wellbeing. Because a number of animals are kept in enclosures, many have exhibited symptoms of boredom (Wibbelt 45). In the wild, the animals are supposed to roam freely. By enclosing them in cages, the animals are emotionally affected. Similarly, some animals in the zoo have become accustomed to the presence of human beings. Such animals feel bored in the absence of visitors.
Strategies to manage the identified barriers to make the initiative successful
To manage the above challenges, zoo investors in the UAE should solve space issues. As such, zoos should be located at the outskirts of cities. At the outskirts, competition from real estate investors will be limited. Therefore, the cost of acquiring land will be reduced freeing up the much-needed funds for the construction of other zoo facilities. Owing to the abundance of land at the outskirts, large animal enclosures can be constructed to allow the animals to roam freely in their enclosures (Hodge & Marie 34). With large enclosures, animals will not easily be bored compared to when they are enclosed in small cages. Equally, large enclosures will make it easy for zookeepers to carry out their cleaning exercise. Through this, the stench issue will be solved.
Correspondingly, my venture will be successful if I prioritize on the animals that will be best suited to the UAEs environment. The animals I will chose are scimitar horned Oryx, Arabian Oryx, Arabian gazelle, lion, giraffes, chimpanzees, and tigers. I will keep the animals in cages. The above animals have been reared in UAEs zoos. Based on this, there are higher chances that the animals will do well in my zoo.
When temperatures are high, the wildlife should be sprayed with cool water. Similarly, my zoo will be installed with efficient ventilators to ensure that the facility is kept at the right temperatures. In addition, my zookeepers should ensure that the animals have access to clean drinking water at all times. Through this, the animals rights and health will be upheld (Vine 16). Similarly, the above practice will ensure that the zoo investors save on the funds required to manage the animals health.
Lastly, as a zoo investor I should invest in qualified and experienced zookeepers. With the right personnel, the above challenges will be addressed with ease. Qualified zookeepers will educate the public on how to handle and socialize with the animals reducing on cases of attacks by the animals (Vine 22). In addition, the zookeepers will ensure that the animals are fed appropriately and at the right time. If I adhere to the above strategies, I will be able to save on the cost of establishing my zoo in and ensure that the venture is effectively managed.
Works Cited
Hodge, Annelies, and Marie Turcotte. Organizational Change towards Sustainable Development: Learning from a Best-practice Zoo. London: Trident, 2009. Print.
Vine, Peter. Natural Emirates: Wildlife and Environment of the United Arab Emirates. London: Trident, 2013. Print.
Wibbelt, Gudrun. Proceedings of the International Conference on Diseases of Zoo and Wild Animals 2013, Vienna, Austria. Berlin: Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, 2013. Print.
Cronin, A. M. (2016). Does keeping animals captive help kids learn how to respect them? One Green Planet.
The article argues that keeping animals as captives has educational benefits and an adverse impact on children. The author gives an example of SeaWorld, where animals like dolphins and orcas are kept. In this article, Cronin (2016) claims that animals greatly inspire kids. When children are exposed to these sea animals, they learn to respect them. Most of the children love the living and the behavior of the animals such that some, even after they grow up to adults, already have some interest in visiting these captives. This has a positive impact on zoo owners, especially those who use them to raise money. This article will provide me with useful information that I will use in my essay introduction part to make the learners understand the effect of keeping animal captives on children.
Fobar, R. (2019). Hundreds of zoos and aquariums are accused of mistreating Animals. National Geographic.
Zoos and aquariums which does not meet the required standards are mistreating the animals. Some of the occasions where these animals have been mistreated include making elephants play basketball, wearing monkey and chimpanzees’ clothes, and taking photos with them. According to Fobar (2019), only zoos and aquariums that meet the animal’s welfare standards should be accredited. Fobar (2019) argues that some zoos have violated animals’ rights by making their habitats too small, not focusing on animal interest but their interest in raising money. Even these animals are denied the right to choose what they want. This information establishes the context for the topic and will be useful. The introductory paragraphs of the research inform readers of the mistreatment animals experience.
Godinez, A. M., & Fernandez, E. J. (2019). What is the zoo experience? How zoos impact a Visitor’s behaviors, perceptions, and conservation efforts. Frontiers in Psychology, 10(1746), 1-8.
Modern zoos try to educate visitors about zoo animals and how visitors are more interested in these animals’ natural behavior. Zoos play a significant role in the conversation of the environment. When visitors visit the accredited zoos for the purpose of entertainment, they give some money which is then used to develop these animals’ habitat, especially if the animals are those that like staying on trees, they are planted. Furthermore, even keeping and taking care of these animals is a part of environment conservation. The source is very useful to my essay because it provides sufficient information to the reader on any information concerning zoos.
Kagan, R., Allard, S., & Carter, S. (2018). What is the future for zoos and aquariums? Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 21(1), 59-70.
Animal welfare has shown great concern for animals in zoos and aquariums. For the past decade, animals’ rights in a zoo have been found to have been violated. Still, according to this article, their welfare is currently being. If the rights and welfare of animals in zoos and aquariums are properly observed, the world association of zoos and aquariums will have no issues with these zoo fields. As a result, most of them will be accredited. Zoo being a form of entertainment to many people will generate a lot of money for the owners, thus creating more zoos and aquariums for visitors. This will positively influence the growth of zoos and aquariums across the world. This article will be useful to the conclusion of my essay since it gives a summary of zoos and aquariums.
Kuehn, B. M. (2002). Is it ethical to keep animals in zoos? American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Some people believe that keeping animals in zoos is a violation of these creatures’ right to liberty. Others believe keeping animals in is diminishing their lives, and zoos being a form of entertainment is not an apparent reason to keep them captive. So, they treat these acts to be wrong. On the other hand, Dr. Hutchin argues that keeping animals in zoos has an advantage of environment conservation when the welfare of these animals has been observed. He says combining zoos and aquariums’ conservation and educational benefits makes keeping animals in zoos ethical. Kuehn argues that people find it hard to visit zoos where the welfare of the animals is not observed. People find it to be ethically wrong to visit fields where captives are suffering. In this article, it is ethical to keep animals in zoos, but the field must ensure they meet the standards to keep and maintain the welfare of the captives. This source is very useful when writing my essay thesis paragraph since it gives the readers the overall ethical views of different people.
Learmonth, M. J. (2019). Dilemmas for natural living concepts of zoo animal welfare. Animals, 9(6), 318.
This article focuses on the dilemmas encountered in zoologist institutions. Learmonth argues it is sometimes challenging to change the behavior of some animal completely. The article further explains that some animals take time to adapt to the new environment. Some even fear showing their natural behavior in zoos. It is also known that human to animal interaction is natural, but it is not important to animals who initiate this interaction. This article will be very useful in my essay since it summarizes the difficulties zoologists go through.
Pierce, J., & Bekoff, M. (2018). A post zoo future: Why welfare fails animals in zoos. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 21(1), 43-48.
This article tends to review the discussion held in zoos, which are more of increasing the animals but not the problems these animals face. Pierce argues that zoos and aquariums claiming to have met the standards should ensure they do not keep animals that do not perform in their field and stop moving animals around one zoo to another. They should also ensure they do not kill healthy animals. The source is very useful in the essay because it will make the reader understand the welfare of animals in captives.
Powell, D. M. & Watters, J. V. (2017). The evolution of the animal welfare movement in the U.S. Zoos and aquariums. Der Zoologische Garten, 86(1-6), 219-234.
Welfare has emerged to be of great concern across the world. According to Powell, experts working in zoos and aquariums are very focused on the welfare of animals for a long time, as they work to improve farming to improve animals’ species. The article gathered information from literature and zoological firms and found that the evolution of the zoological profession focuses on animal welfare in the United States. The zoos’ challenges have been addressed, and they appreciate solutions. This source provides information on the current situation of modern zoos.
References
Cronin, A. M. (2016). Does keeping animals captive help kids learn how to respect them? One Green Planet. Web.
Albert Einstein once said: “Our task must be to free ourselves by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty” (Popova). This statement may be understood if one considers people’s usual efforts to support animals and nature. Deforestation, water pollution, and other processes harm the environment and all living creatures because humans only have compassion for themselves, not for nature as a whole. Zoos are daily examples of people’s indifference and cruelty towards other species. Although zoos are often seen as significant in today’s society, they are actually a way of imprisoning animals while harming them in doing so. This opinion is proved by the fact that living creatures in captivity suffer from boredom and stress, cannot protect themselves or escape danger, and are killed instantly if considered to be ‘surplus’ individuals.
Stress and Boredom
The first argument against zoos to discuss is the lack of interesting activities, joy, and ways to get rid of stress that animals can access in the wild. Such circumstances make living creatures in captivity stressed, bored, and confined. First, according to Bashaw et al., who examined behavior patterns of captivated and wild tigers and lions, animals in zoos tend to be more pessimistic, passive, and indifferent (95). Bashaw et al. notice that “in captivity, they spend the most time on exhibit sleeping or pacing,” not being able to hunt or socialize properly, and the way most zoos are projected also contributes to animals’ boredom and reduced activity (95). Thus, chain-link fencing may be a source of uncontrolled sensory contact for many animals, interfering with their behavior patterns.
Further, it is well-known that humans experiencing deprivation are at risk of developing various mental issues, like anxiety or depression, and losing their interest in life. The same happens to many captivated animals: “Elephants, orcas and other animals with large brains are likely to react in similar ways to life in a severely stressful environment” (Jacobs). Moreover, the term ‘zoochosis’ describes how living creatures in zoos perform unhealthy activities like swaying, rocking, self-mutilation, and others. It happens because they are held in captivity without any possibility of being engaged in common for their actions.
No Right to Protection and Safety
The second argument that highlights unethical zoo practices refers to the fact that animals are deprived of any opportunity to protect themselves or escape danger. One may wonder what kind of danger animals in a zoo can be exposed to in the first place. Unfortunately, most cases are related to humans’ foolishness and irresponsibility: for example, many zoos are unable or unwilling to make sure that no contact between animals and visiting people is possible.
As service providers, zoos have an obligation to keep people and animals safe, but their protection mostly covers the former. For instance, if a person accidentally falls into an animal’s enclosure, even a not curious or aggressive animal can be killed by the zoo staff in order to save the person. One terrible story of a gorilla named Harambe being murdered after a boy fell in its cage is told by Gambone. Unfortunately, since “we prioritize the entertainment or even the education of humans first, rather than the needs, especially the need for freedom, of self-aware, autonomous nonhuman beings like Harambe, they will continue to die” (Gambone). In situations like this, the creature cannot defend itself or escape. Moreover, with inadequate behavior of visitors, the animal may try to attack for self-defense but will also suffer.
‘Surplus’ Animals
Finally, there is also a shocking and unethical practice when zoos get rid of animals that are considered excess or ‘surplus.’ Statistics are terrifying: according to Bekoff, “European zoos kill as many as 5,000 healthy animals every year” merely because these individuals are no longer useful, pretty, or profitable. This inhumane practice again proves the need to apply stricter control over zoos or eliminate such places. When zoos need more room for younger animals to attract more visitors or reproductive animals to become more profitable, they terminate healthy individuals and may sometimes even make it a show in front of the audience (Shuchat). In other words, these terminations are not euthanasia but actual murders because there is no mercy in them (Bekoff). This practice also demonstrates that animals are considered property that can be thrown away when no longer needed.
Conclusion
To draw a conclusion, one may say that zoos are not a significant and ethical part of the modern world but places where animals are imprisoned and deprived of their rights. In the wild, different species have more opportunities to engage in their common activities, and in captivity, they suffer from boredom, stress, and depression. Moreover, animals in zoos are valued and protected less than visitors, and they cannot even escape when facing danger. In cases when they try to defend themselves, animals merely get killed. Finally, there are also situations when they are cruelly murdered because of being considered ‘surplus.’ Therefore, it is recommended that people get more information about the zoos they visit and avoid such unethical places.
Works Cited
Bashaw, Meredith J., et al. “Environmental Effects on the Behavior of Zoo-Housed Lions and Tigers, with a Case Study of the Effects of a Visual Barrier on Pacing.” Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, vol. 10, no. 2, 2007, pp. 95-109.
The expediency of zoos and similar institutions is controversial since no artificially created conditions correspond to the natural range of animals’ origin. However, people seek to tame or at least be closer to animals. Therefore, the emergence of zoos, detention centers, or theme parks is an obvious decision. Instead, it is worth determining the expediency of keeping wild animals in captivity and outlining possible compromises.
Today, zoos follow the trend of creating conditions similar to animals’ natural habitats. Thus, one can observe an improved diet, natural plant species of the respective region, and an expanded area of maintenance enclosures. Moreover, children really like zoos because there, one can see animals not native to the region, take cute photos, and have a good time. Unfortunately, no artificial environment will make animals as happy as they could be in the wild. They are unable to make seasonal migrations, some are unable to mate to have offspring, and predators are unable to hunt. In addition, not all zoos follow elementary sanitary standards or the appropriate temperature regime. Thus, animals cannot live freely and happily while in captivity.
Summarizing the advantages and disadvantages of zoos, one can find a compromise regarding the conditions for keeping wild animals in artificial conditions. The only optimal option is to keep only those animals unable to function normally in wild conditions. Thus, the employees of the relevant institutions must ensure the capture and treatment of those animals that need it. If continued captivity under the supervision of specialists is a better option than release into the wild, this option should be chosen. In this way, animals will live in the comfort they deserve, and visitors to zoos will enjoy the beauty of the wild world.
In the given case, the executive director of San Diego Zoo wanted to bring two giant pandas to his zoo; this decision was motivated by the previous loan of two giant pandas that the zoo had loaned for six months in 1987. The number of visitors and the revenues of the zoo increased significantly when pandas were loaned. Douglas Meyers decided to bring the pandas to the zoo for a longer period.
First, Meyers needs a negotiation framework. He needs to answer several questions to understand how this negotiation will be conducted. What is the problem? The problem is to bring two giant pandas from China (the only place of their habitat on the planet); pandas are an endangered species, which complicates the case. What is happening right now? Right now, Meyers can point out the previous loan of pandas that ended quite successfully. The zoo’s influence on the animal conversation should not be forgotten as well. These facts can be seen as the strengths of Meyer’s position that is, nevertheless, in a relative weakness. However, pandas’ exhibition can influence the public support of these endangered animals, which can be seen as an advantage by the counterpart. Moreover, as the zoo already promoted pandas through various items and ads during their previous stay, it may be reasonable to assume that a new advertisement campaign will be needed to attract more visitors. Thus, Meyer needs to emphasize the importance of these animals and their conservation, and stress that his zoo and the counterparty follow the same aims. It is not the possible revenues of the zoo that need to be mentioned, but rather the revenues that the counterparty will have, as well as the influence of pandas on the promotion of support for these animals both in the USA and in China.
The next step is to determine what the sources of the bargaining power are. Several sources can be identified: the China Wildlife Conservation Association, other zoos in the USA and outside of it, NGO conservation groups, and government agencies. The official USA-China relationships also need to be considered; in the 1980s, the relationships between the two states improved, which could be seen as an advantage for the weaker party. The best alternative to an agreement would be to contact another supplier of pandas (a Chinese zoo) and offer a transaction under the same conditions. For the counterparty, the BATNA would be the same – contact another receiver (several zoos that are interested in the deal). The point of departure is the initial offer or deal, i.e. the long-term transaction of the animals.
The talking points could be the following: stress the importance of pandas’ conservation, underline the current relationships between the states and indicate how this deal would influence them, provide additional facts that support the zoo’s authority, point out to the importance of promoting the counterpart in the USA (additional deals, new stakeholders, new supporters, etc.).
At the same time, Meyers needs to pay attention to other stakeholders that can influence the negotiation. Here, cultural differences and factors are also important. As China is a country where collectivism is valued, and blunt communication may be considered as confrontation or humiliation, soft negotiation style needs to be considered. Hard negotiation style, especially in a weak position, can lead to an adverse outcome of the negotiations. The importance of cultural differences is often omitted in the negotiation plan.
The hierarchical social structure in China needs to be considered as well. The executive director and his team should avoid sensitive topics and self-promotion, as they can be seen as signs of disrespect. One should also consider that personal and business success is not extensively discussed or displayed in China.
Siamangs are diurnal, active and sociable nonhuman primates. They live in vast areas in the wild and need space to move and brachiate. They also live in families. Notably, these animals can also coexist with other species (Pearson, Davis & Litchfield, 2010). Clearly, in zoos, these animals are placed in spaces which have similar characteristics with the usual habitat of the apes. For instance, in San Diego zoo, there are specific facilities which imitate the environment siamangs live in.
These apes have the opportunity to brachiate and move a lot. At that, siamangs are placed with orangutans and this does not lead to aggression as two species seem to be friendly to each other. However, there is a common viewpoint that animals do not feel comfortable in zoos and visitors’ attention and limited space makes them act differently (Smith & Kuhar, 2010). Therefore, it is possible to formulate the hypothesis as follows: in the daytime, siamangs will be less active and will spend most of time eating and resting due to lack of space.
Materials and Methods
The present study is based on observation of three siamangs in San Diego zoo with the help of the web camera. Each twenty seconds behavior of siamangs was scanned. The observation lasted thirty minutes. Since it was difficult to differentiate among the individuals, behavioral patterns of each primate were calculated for the entire group. In other words, the percentage of behavioral patterns revealed in the result section is a sum total of each individual’s patterns.
The following behavioral patterns were scanned: brachiating, resting, eating, grooming, and terrestrial quadrupedalism. Notably, the siamangs often acted similarly and were engaged in group activities (brachiating or grooming). It is necessary to note that it was sometimes difficult to follow the animals as they were moving quite quickly and the quality of the picture was not always perfect due to technical issues.
Results
According to the data obtained, siamangs spent most of their time (68%) brachiating (see figure 1). They spent less time grooming (17%), eating (7%), moving on the ground (6%), and resting (3%). It is necessary to add that due to technical difficulties the numbers are approximate as it was sometimes difficult to follow each individual. As has been mentioned above, the behavioral patterns are somewhat generalized.
Discussion
Observation implemented resulted in quite unexpected data. The results of the research disprove the hypothesis as it was assumed that siamangs would be less active in the zoo due to visitor’s attention and limited territory. Siamangs were expected to be more passive due to the stress associated with zoo conditions.
On the contrary, the subjects of the study were very active and spent most of their time (68%) brachiating. This finding goes in line with the result of another research where Pearson et al. (2010) focused on siamangs’ behavior in the zoo. The researchers note that the primates are very active and do not mind visitors’ attention. The primates prefer brachiating and do not rest for a long time during daytime according to Pearson et al. (2010).
However, Pearson et al. (2010) also admit that sometimes siamangs moved to distant areas to avoid people’s attention. It is necessary to note that the present study does not focus on the correlation between visitors and behavior of siamangs as there was no opportunity to observe the number of people around the ape’s area.
Nonetheless, it is possible to assume that there were some visitors as the observation took place in the daytime. It is necessary to add that siamangs were very acrobatic while brachiating. They seem to focus on their own affairs and ignore people around them. Notably, Smith and Kuhar (2010) claim that primates tend to tolerate well visitors’ attendance in zoos. These primates also tend to tolerate the limited space according to the researchers (Smith & Kuhar, 2010). Therefore, it is possible to note that siamangs in the San Diego zoo are no exception.
Grooming is another activity performed by siamangs quite often (17%). This can be explained by the fact that siamangs are very sociable and often live in families (Liebal, Pika & Tomasello, 2004). Researchers stress that grooming is a way to reveal care as well as dominance (Liebal et al., 2004). The animals’ care about each other can also be an explanation for siamangs’ tolerance of the limited space. Thus, siamangs do not feel frustrated or they do not need a larger area as they have their family and can focus on their offspring.
Interestingly, Liebal et al. (2004) consider facial expressions and gestures in siamangs, which also suggest that these animals are attached to each other. Notably, the researchers report about 31 signals of social communication through gestures and facial expressions (Liebal et al., 2004). This suggests that communication is very important for siamangs and this aspect needs in-depth analysis. The present study does not include analysis of facial expressions as it was difficult to calculate precise number of such instances though many cases of this kind of communication was noted.
When it comes to eating, the number of times the primates ate is quite small (7%). This finding could be regarded as certain support to the hypothesis. However, the fact that siamangs spend little time eating does not mean the primates refuse food. It may mean that they were fed (the food was brought earlier) earlier and were not hungry. It is also possible to add that the period of observation was quite short and it could be the reason why instances of eating were quite rare.
Furthermore, the instances of terrestrial quadrupedalism are infrequent as well (only 6%). Siamangs prefer brachiating and being in the trees (Pearson et al., 2010). Since siamangs are arboreal primates, this finding was anticipated. Nevertheless, it is possible to add that Pearson at al. (2010) state that siamangs spend 50% of their days in the trees.
This study’s results suggest that siamangs spend over 70% in the trees (or facilities imitating trees in zoos). Again, this may be due to the limited time of observation. It could be the period of the highest activity or simply a period of games and observation in other parts of the day could lead to different data and conclusions.
Finally, siamangs were resting only 6% of the time observed. Again, this disproves the hypothesis as they do not spend their time passively. An animal that badly tolerates conditions in a zoo is often passive. Thus, it is possible to conclude that siamangs were active as the were not stressed and felt comfortable. In other words, the primates behaved in a way they would act in the wild.
Conclusions
To sum up, it is possible to state that the hypothesis of the present study was disproved. Siamangs tolerate life in the zoo and behave in a natural way. These animals are very active and sociable in the wild as well as in the zoo. They spend most of their time brachiating and they also pay a lot of attention to each other.
It is necessary to add that the present research is associated with a number of limitations. In the first place, the period of observation was quite short and the animals’ behavior could be different at another part of the day. Apart from this, it was impossible to evaluate the number of visitors, and people around the ape’s area could affect the way siamangs behaved. Finally, there were some technical issues and it was difficult to follow the animals and note all their movements.
Therefore, the present research can be the first step in analysis of siamangs’ behavior in a zoo setting. In the first place, it is necessary to extend the period of observation. It can be one day or it can be several hours at different times of day during a week. It is necessary to observe siamangs’ behavior during different parts of day to have data that are more comprehensive. Besides, it is possible to extend the list of behavioral patterns and include gestures and facial expressions.
It is also necessary to include another variable to the study. It is important to evaluate correlation between siamangs’ behavior and the number of visitors. These data can help understand whether siamangs feel comfortable in zoo settings and behave in a natural way.
Reference List
Liebal, K., Pika, S., & Tomasello, M. (2004). Social communication in siamangs (Symphalangus syndactylus): Use of gestures and facial expressions. Primates, 45(1), 41-57.
Pearson, E.L., Davis, J.M., & Litchfield, C.A. (2010). A case study of orangutan and siamang behavior within a mixed-species zoo exhibit. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 13(1), 330-346.
Smith, K.N., & Kuhar, C.W. (2010). Siamangs (Hylobates syndactylus) and white-cheeked gibbons (Hylobates leucogenys) show few behavioral differences related to zoo attendance. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 13(1), 154-163.
Understanding that numerous animals species are under extinction threat, people have developed numerous conservation and population recovery programs that usually take place within zoos. The San Diego Zoo is one of the largest in the country, and observing the animal behavior in it might help realizing how the programs are successful. Therefore, the problem question is: How active are pandas during the day in the San Diego Zoo?
Hypothesis
Based on the numerous remarks of scholars that claim that the animals are less active in the artificially created conditions in zoos, the hypothesis of the current write-up is as follows: Pandas tend to be inactive in the artificially created conditions of the San Diego Zoo.
Procedure
In order to answer the problem question and to either prove or reject the above presented hypothesis, the research of pandas’ behavior during a day was taken up with the help of the web cam located in the pandas’ enclosure. First, the web page of the San Diego Zoo was accessed to consider the information on conservation programs carries out. Second, the Live Cams & Video section was accessed, and the videos from the web cams of panda, polar bear, elephant, and apes were viewed. Third, panda cam videos were chosen for the more detailed analysis as this animal is an interesting species under the threat of extinction.
Data
As stated above, the observation of panda live cam videos was carries out during a day, December 7, 2009, in order to analyze pandas’ behavioral patterns, answer the problem question, and test the write-up hypothesis. Cam 25 allowed observing the behaviors of two pandas, a grown-up and a baby in the so-called birthing den. During the observation, the major active periods of the day for pandas were the early morning (between 6:15 and 8:15), when the pandas woke up, played, and walked out of the birthing den, and the late evening (especially after 22:00), when the pandas were out of sight for the web cam.
Analysis
In respect to the general knowledge of panda in the wild and the write-up hypothesis, the acquired observation data allow making an assumption that pandas’ activity in the zoo conditions is similar to the activity these animals display in the wild. During the day, when it is hot, the pandas are sleepy and far less active than in the morning and in the evening. Accordingly, the answer to the problem question is that pandas in the San Diego Zoo are as active as they are in the wild nature conditions. Therefore, the hypothesis for the write-up is rejected.
Conclusion
Accordingly, the conclusion from the above presented data is that the conservation programs for saving the animal species threatened by extinction should be implemented because animals in the artificial conditions can still remain active and have more chances for surviving and preproduction. Of course, the behavioral observation of only two pandas during one day cannot be generalized for all pandas and other animals in zoos, but at least this observation allows assuming that if these two pandas can live in the zoo, others also can do this.
Discussion
Drawing from this, the theoretical statement that the California condor species should be allowed to go extinct instead of spending considerable money on the protection and recovery programs are at least groundless, inhumane, and cruel towards this bird. Human beings are responsible for the survival of this species as these were human beings that put it under the threat of extinction. So, any talks about stopping the protection are unethical and dangerous.
Are zoos cruel to animals, or are they important educational facilities that conserve different species of animals? This is a question that will be amenable to discussion for a long time. The reality is that there is ambivalence whether zoos protect animals from the adversity of the wild or they violate the rights of animals to enjoy their freedom in the wild. On one hand, zoos provide educational facilities for a wide range of people, but looking at the cruelty some animals are subjected to in zoos, one would think otherwise.
The most widespread accusation against zoos is that they subject animals to cruelty. In fact, many visitors to zoos have been made to buy this argument, thus a question of whether future generations will continue perpetuating this kind unfair treatment to animals. Arguing on the issue, Bostock (1993) notes that there are many instances where animals are kept cruelly: in houses, in factories, and many other places (p 7). Along this line, Bostock posed the all-important question: Are zoos also used to perpetuate cruelty against animals? Perhaps the answer to this question would be forthcoming after considering other factors such as the kind of harsh environment that animals are subjected to in the wild. In this context, to say that zoos provide refuge to animals from harassment in the wild would not be an overstatement.
After along evaluation of ideas, Bostock (1993) noted in chapter five to seven of the book Zoos and animal rights: The ethics of keeping animals that zoos can and indeed provide favorable conditions for the animals they keep (p. 45). This brings a notion that the references to zoos as a source of cruelty to animals or as important facilities that enable conservation of animals and education of people about the animals are based on individual judgment.
This paper will argue the above point with consideration of all opinions about zoos. It is worth noting that even though critics of zoos are of the standpoint that zoos deny animals their freedom in the jungle, without the zoos some animals would by now be extinct or greatly diminished due to threats from other animals and poaching. Given this aspect, the paper’s argument will evaluate points both for and against the keeping of animals in zoos.
Zoos: aspects of cruelty to animals
Zoos are subject to criticism due to the conditions in which animals are kept. Robin Flynn, an animal rights expert argues out clearly why keeping animal in zoos is against their rights to freedom in the jungle. To start, Flynn believes that human beings have no right to use animals for entertainment purposes. He argues that animals do not like to be snatched from their natural environment and be kept in strange enclosures that no human being would be comfortable staying in (Flynn 2007, p 33).
The need for entertainment seems to surpass the importance of zoos as educational facilities since if were animals meant for educational purposes, they would be left in their natural environments. It cannot be gainsaid that the best place to study animals is in their natural environment since those in zoos do not really portray the characteristics of animals in the wild. In order to be tamable, animals are subjected to many changes in their physiological and chemicals characteristics, which suppress their aggressiveness and normal character (Flynn 2007, p. 41).
Specific cases of cruelty to animal include the way they are handled before being placed in zoos and how they are treated when they are already in the zoos. Cruelty is not just about beating the animals, it also includes poor forms of handling such as hooking of fish, branding of mammals, catching some animals using snares and steel jaw-straps, cutting tails of some animals, debeaking birds to stop them from pecking visitors, and so forth (Flynn 2007, p. 41). Some instances of cruelty are shown in plate 1. All these cause excruciating pain to animals but since the animals cannot complain, human beings justify their actions as being meant to tame the animals.
Many cases of cruelty are not reported due to lack of investigators. But the statistics provided by the Humane Society of Utah show that indeed there are many cases of cruelty in zoos (Table 1).
Table 1: Cruelty Statistics in Zoos in the United States (Humane Society of Utah, 2009, p. 25)
Year
Cruelty/abuse investigations
Animal facility inspections
1999
390
422
2000
394
334
2001
372
392
2002
361
411
2003
382
480
2004
351
596
2005
305
550
2006
282
696
2007
299
619
2008
285
779
It is not an overstatement to say that animals in zoos are subjected to a lot of frustration due to the manner in which they are handled. They are kept in tiny cages that deny them the freedom to roam in large spaces, and sometimes they are kept on food rations, which may not be their normal way of life (Norton, 1995, p. 77). It is also worth noting even when the animals in zoos are fed, they may not be given the exact food they would have wished to have on their own in the wild. The following section of the paper highlights and discusses particular instances in which animals in zoos have been subjected to spiteful treatment.
Particular cases of cruelty to animals in zoos
There are many instances where individuals or organizations take animals to zoos with a pledge of caring for them but later end up mistreating them. Some animals are subjected to horrible breeding experiments while in zoos in order to create offspring that attract more visitors hence more profits (Norton, 1995). Surprisingly, some zoo managers resort to killing some animals in case the animals proliferate at a high rate; or worse, some zoo owners sell their unwanted animals to hunting ranches (Norton, 1995).
A case in 1990 in which animals were used for experimental purposes is a stark indicator of cruelty meted on animals. The case involved zoo research institute that was experimenting on primates and wallabies. In one of the experiments, the sense of smell of marmoset monkeys was destroyed by chemical and surgical burning techniques. The pretext for the action was that the researchers wanted to know if the breeding rate of the monkeys improved with the removal of the senses organs. Additionally, the same research institution in Australia decapitated wallabies as part of their research work. Apart from research work, some zoo owners take the advantage of zoos to sell game meat as is the case in many ostrich farms the world over (Norton, 1995, p. 29).
While arguing against the use of zoos to keep animals, Sather (1999) notes that animals have rights just as human beings do (p. 10). Along this line, the author points out that animals have evolved from nature and each species belongs to its own natural habitat where it should live, breed and seek food. Therefore, to remove animals from their habitats is against the will of nature.
What is the value of animals to human beings if they have rights? To say that animals should not be used by human beings would be a poor argument because human beings have to co-exist with animals. Sather (1999) notes that even if animals may be perceived not to have rights, human beings still have a duty to treat them humanely in their role as the ‘Stewards of the Earth’ (p. 53). But it is so unfortunate that many cases of handling animals subject the animals to unfair treatment.
Perhaps the cruelty subjected to animals in zoos arises from the misunderstanding of human beings in regard to animal behavior. For instance, one San Francisco zookeeper defended a case in which an African elephant was hit with axe handles for two consecutive days by saying that the beating was meant to motivate the elephant (Sather, 1999, p. 54). How such a conclusion was arrived is debatable since there was no evidence that elephants hit each other as a way of motivating themselves. This adds to the many instances where bird feathers are clipped, aquatic animals are kept in very little water, herd animals are kept in individual seclusion or in pairs, and many others are exposed to self-destructive behavior due to living in confined environments. The fact that many people visit zoos however seems to justify the use of zoos in ‘conserving’ animals.
There is a common perception that zoos are set up for educational purposes. However, there are a number of issues about this point that cast doubt on the truth about it. To begin with, most zoos are set up by roadsides and entertainment facilities such as posh restaurants usually surround them (Williamson, 2004 ). The point is that these entertainment facilities usually seem to overshadow the importance of the zoos since visitors may spend only a couple of minutes viewing animals in the zoos then move to relax in the restaurants for hours. Additionally, not many visitors usually have keen interest to study the animals; the trips to zoos are usually used as leisure trips rather than educational trips (Williamson, 2004). This makes it difficult for the visitors to ask questions pertinent to the animals in the zoos since most of them look at the entertainment aspects of the trip. In fact, Sather (1999) argues that most zoos have no educational value as they are purported to be.
Still on the claim that zoos are educational, large municipal zoos usually lay emphasis on the theme but in reality, they are just kidding. The zoos hold exhibitions to ‘educate’ the public about animals kept (Williamson, 2004, p. 6). However, the targeted people rarely spend minutes learning about a certain animal. Instead, they get engrossed in entertainment- teasing the animals and so forth. This only adds to the cruelty to which the animals are subjected. Large zoos also encourage animal breeding in captivity for research purposes (Williamson, 2004, p. 7). If no zoos existed, there would be no need for such research works.
Educational and conservational aspects of zoos
Despite criticism of zoos on their cruelty against animals and lack of educational value, their importance be underestimated. Zoo managers in the United States describe changes in the American zoos with enthusiasm: they have been transformed within a very short time from animal prisons to bioparks, and have become pivotal in enhancing the wellbeing of both animals and human beings (Hanson, 2002, p. 8). This point introduces an idea that if well managed, zoos are indeed safe havens for animals and recreational and educational facilities for human beings.
Whereas it is easy to pick cases of animal cruelty in zoos, the common perspective is that today animals are accorded very nice treatment in zoos (Hanson, 2002, p. 9). Animals in some zoos are given food, water and very comfortable environments that suit their way of life. Most importantly, they are given medical treatment that would that would never be the case in the wild. As the animal attendants provide these services, they get opportunities to interact with animals thereby learning more about them. Although animals in captivity may not display the characteristics congruent to those of animals in the wild, they provide an ample opportunity to learn about what happens in the wild.
In areas where the public are interested in knowledge about animals, zoos provide important educational services that help the people to interact with animals in other areas such as national parks, marine parks and game reserves. As such, the public can get an overview of how to interact with animals in the wild and particularly how to conserve and protect them. Along this line, there is need to streamline zoos by putting much emphasis on the conservational and educational aspects rather than entertainment as emphasis on entertainment creates a mindset that animals in zoos are just tools to be watched, teased and then left alone.
Davey (2007) points out that zoos are important educational facilities that help the public and in particular children to observe closely animals that they would never have would never have seen, especially those from other countries. Students also get a chance to learn about nearly all species of animals, which they would only be able to read about in books such as the orangutan (figure 3). While it was argued earlier that transportation of animals limits their freedom, it worthwhile noting that careful and organized transportation will not harm the animals. In addition, the fact rare animals attract more revenue due to the high number of visitors means that zoos can act as charitable organizations to fund more conservational projects that would encourage more learning.
The other aspect of education with respect to zoos regards scientists and researchers. Zoos provide many opportunities to scientists to research on various species of animals and therefore provide generalizations about the animal kingdom. According to Hanson (2002), zoos provide precious opportunities to study animals in strange environments and draw inferences about how human beings can affect the various habitats of different animals. In fact, much published work about different animals particularly those that are not docile such as tigers is based on research among tamed individuals (Hanson, 2002, p. 45).
Perhaps the most important aspect of zoos with respect to conservation and education is that zoos protect endangered species from extinction (Mallapur et al, 2008, p. 220). The green turtle is one example of the endangered species, yet it is still a target by marine fishermen due to its value. It is evident that without zoos to protect members of such a species, it would be exterminated in a matter of years. Nevertheless, the presence of zoos with endangered species provides an assurance that endangered species still have a chance to survive, the harsh environment notwithstanding.
Given the above discussion, it is apparent that the educational and conservational importance of zoos overwhelms the perceived cruelty against animals depicted in some zoos. An important point therefore is that if zoos are well managed as is the case in many zoos in the Unites States, they provide important educational material to many generations while also being a source of recreation. Therefore, the isolated cases of cruelty to animals in some zoos in the world should not be used as the benchmark to evaluate the functionality of zoos. Rather, there is need to emphasize on the educational aspects, particularly given that zoos protect endangered animal species.
Zoos have been criticized for subjecting animals to cruelty in terms of how animals are handled and treated while in these facilities. The spiteful treatment of animals is evident in beatings, poor feeding and confinement to which the animals are subjected. In spite of this, some zoos provide very conducive conditions to animals, even better than those in the wild – such as medical treatment. Most importantly, zoos provide people with opportunities to closely study rare animals and protect endangered species from extermination. This outweighs the occurrence of isolated cases of cruelty in some zoos.
Bibliography
Animal Cruelty Pics (undated).
Bostock, S.S.C. (1993). Zoos and animal rights: the ethics of keeping animals. New York: Routledge
Curnutt, J. (2001).Animals and the law: a sourcebook. New York: ABC-CLIO
Davey, G. (2007).Public perceptions in urban China toward zoos and their animal welfare. Human Dimensions of Wildlife, 12 (5): 367 – 374
Flynn R. (2007). Animal cruelty in zoos (2007).
Hanson, E. (2002). Animal attractions: nature on display in American zoos. NJ, Princeton: Princeton University Press
Humane Society of Utah. Animal Cruelty in Utah – 1999 through 2008.
Mallapur, A., Waran, N., & Sinha, A. (2008). The captive audience: the educative influence of zoos on their visitors in India. International Zoo Yearbook, 42(1), 214-224.
Wildlife conservation has been one of the major revolutionary goals in the 21st century across the globe; in which wildlife animals have become one of major sources of income among many nations. Following this conservation and protection for wild animals call across the nations in the contemporary society, an attention to conserve the zoos in Australia by rescuing the endangered species has been drawn. Over the past few decades, wild animals have been one of the major income generators through tourism as well as adding aesthetic value to the Australian environment. More so, Jenkins (2010) reports that, some species among the wildlife animals in Australia have been observed to decline sharply in their number, which threatens their posterity; thus the need to rescue them.
Perhaps, Jackson (2003) argues that; as a result of industrialization and modernization, the natural habitats for wildlife animals have been encroached and interfered with, endangering the animals in habitats. As a result of some harmful effluents from industries and harsh climatic conditions, some of the animals in zoos often get sick and consequently die. In this regard therefore, there arises the urge and need to rescue these endangered animal species so as to avoid their extinction. Generally, there rises a great need of conserving and rescuing most of these endangered animal species in the Australian territory as Jackson (2003) puts it.
The potential cause of the problems facing wildlife animals
Following the recent developments in technology and modernization, most habitats for wildlife animals have been faced with various problems which results into endangering of the animals in their natural habitats. The following flow chart represents the various causes of problems facing wildlife animals and their effects as presented by Jenkins (2010).
The sponsors of The Australian Zoo Rescue Unit Project
The Australian Zoo Rescue Unit Project has been put under sponsorship of various identities; so as raise enough funds to drive the project to its accomplishment. It has been believed that, the wide variety of sponsors would ensure the raising of enough money to cater for the rescue strategy of the endangered species in Australian zoos. In this case, some of the corporate sponsors of this project include the Coca Cola Company, the Toyota Company, the Fuji Film Company and Life’s Good Company among others. In addition, there has been created a link in which members of the public can drop their donations towards the support of the project. By providing diversified sources of income for the project, its accomplishment is assured as opposed to when there only source whose failure may result into its termination prematurely.
The objectives of The Australian Zoo Rescue Unit Project
Being a conservation project, its main objectives are embedded on the well being of the wildlife animals and ensuring their posterity through nursing the endangered ones. Meanwhile, the main aim of this project is to liberate, rescue and rehabilitate the endangered species of wildlife animals by providing them with the best care possible. In fact, the program put in place is to ensure a successful team work which would work closely with the game wanders in the Australian zoos.
The strategic plan objectives of The Australian Zoo Rescue Unit Project
Being a rescue unit, the project is meant to provide the services of rescuing the ill and injured wildlife animals by offering them with veterinary services free of charge in all zoos of Australian territory. To enhance efficiency and effectiveness, the project is meant to acquire highly skilled and trained personnel to rescue the target group of both terrestrial and aquatic wildlife animals. Further, as suggested by Nastyafe (2009), more medical equipments in the Australian Wildlife Hospital will be purchased so as to ensure no shortages of medical facilities while handling the sick and injured wildlife animals.
Certainly, special rescue vehicles and other special rescue equipments will be required so as adequately serve in transporting sick and injured animals to the Australian Wildlife Hospital for special attention. In fact, four wheel drive van decked vehicles will be provided with a range of special rescue equipments for both marine and dry land animals to ensure that, all needy animals are taken care of. By so doing the efficiency of the project would be increased leading to its relevance and sustainability.
Further, the project is intended to recruit a highly devoted team which will be expected to cover large areas daily across the Australian zoos so as to ensure the welfare of the endangered animals. According to the plan, the team is supposed to constitute of large number of people who are proficient in veterinary care services so as to nurse the animals with care. Generally, the key objective of this project is to get all sick and injured wildlife animals into their well being and then release them back to their habitats.
Assumptions and Evaluation of the options for The Australian Zoo Rescue Unit Project
According to Nastyafe (2009), the rescue project of the wild animals in Australian zoos assumes that, all the necessary funds will be driven up and that the intended activities will not be affected by any unexpected event. As it has been planned, all the funds expected are assumed to be provided which will cater for the provision of all the equipments and facilities necessary to run the project effectively to its accomplishment. The Australian Zoo Rescue Unit Project is supposed to provide services free of charge to all needy animals in all zoos within Australia holding all externalities constant.
In fact, the project has been based on various production options in which the most effective and efficient would be chosen. It was proposed that, the animals being rescued be administered with the veterinary services while at their natural settings as asserted by Nastyafe (2009). On the other hand, it was proposed that all needy animals be taken to the Australian Wildlife Hospital for proper medication. Having the two options, it was decided that; the animals be captured and be transported to the wildlife hospital. This was because; at the hospital the animals would be properly diagnosed for any other ailments and be given medical services properly. On the other hand, when the animals would be treated while at their habitats, some ailments may not be closely diagnosed and this would result into faulty operations as presented by Weber & Vedder (2005).
More so, the cost of transporting all the necessary equipments to the zoos would be higher as compared to when transporting the animals to wildlife hospitals. In this case therefore, the best option to be considered would be the capturing of all the needy animals and transport them to the wildlife hospitals. As postulated by Harding (2007), this strategy was evaluated to be the most effective in terms of cost and efficiency.
The proposed budget for The Australian Zoo Rescue Unit Project
The budgetary allocation for all the equipments and facilities for the project was clearly put forward so as to give the overall fund requirement for project; from the time of its initiation to its accomplishment. The following table represents the budgetary allocation for various requirements for the project.
Type of equipment
Quantity Required
Cost per unit
Total Cost (USD)
Medical facilities
1000 cartons
$400
400,000
Vehicles
20 FWD vans
$20,000
400,000
Animal Handling equipments
100 handlers
$100
10,000
Veterinary officers
50 Persons
$1,000
50,000
Total
–
–
860,000
Further, the expected income from various sponsors to cater for the accomplishment project was estimated in relation to the projected expenditure. The following table represents the amount of money expected from various sponsors.
Name of the sponsor
Expected Donation (USD)
The Coca Cola Company
300,000
The Toyota Company
250,000
The Fuji Film Company
100,000
The LG Company
150,000
The Public
100,000
Total
900,000
Expected constraints in The Australian Zoo Rescue Unit Project
Nevertheless, the project is still exposed to various constraints in which the achievement of its objectives may be affected. In this case, the project faced with the problem of uncertainty of the weather and ecological conditions within the zoos. More specifically, the inaccessibility of some parts of the zoos may result into inability to reach all the intended animals leading to failure of achievement of the project goal. In this respect therefore, the major constraint expected in the project is the inability to access all the areas of the zoos which may result into failure to achieve the intended objectives. Generally, any project according to Harding (2007) is expected to be faced by various constraints whose magnitude would determine its success or failure.
Reference list
Harding, M., 2007. Project Management Essentials. Oxford; Oxford University Press.
Jackson, M., 2003. Australian Mammals: Biology and Captive management. Sydney: Rout ledge Publishers.
Jenkins, J., 2010. Climate Change in the Adirondacks: The Path to Sustainability. Ithaca: Cornell University Press.
Nastyafe, W., 2009. Australian Zoo. New York: Prentice Hall Publishers.
Weber, B. & Vedder, A., 2005. Ecological Study of the Wildlife. New York: Simon and Schuster Publishers.
