The Ethics of Animal Rights and Zoos

In my essay, I will be diving into the controversial issue of Animal containment, focusing on zoos in the United States. I will be taking this opportunity to establish a new way of thinking about the argument which states the pros of zoos outweigh the negative effects they have on the animals who live there. Neither side of the argument has a malicious intention towards harming animals. Instead, each side shows a different approach to what it is to properly care, and respect for animal rights. Those arguing in support of zoos commonly reference arguments dating back to Aristotle. However, in my argument against zoos, I will reference instances such as Happy the Elephant who was noted as an autonomous being yet kept in confinement and visiting the case of Cecilia the Chimpanzee who was awarded person hood in Argentina. I will argue that zoos are not reasonable nor acceptable homes for the animals there and that they should be following the standards of sanctuaries. I will point out that zoos are detrimental to animals’ psychological health, which transfers into their physical health, while simultaneously diving into animal ethics in an attempt to clarify and connect the literature referenced in my essay.