Many animals cope with unstimulating or small environments through stereotypic behaviour, which, in zoological parlance, is a repetitive behaviour that serves no obvious purpose, such as pacing, bar biting, and Gus' figure-eight swimming. Although putting zoos through the accreditation process again is a good idea to make sure they keep up with the requirements, the AZA should be checking to make sure that the zoos are following requirements more frequently because a zoo could not be following their requirements until right before they become reaccredited which can bring danger to the animals and their well-being. This week, Take Action Thursday reports on the distressing results of Tuesdays ballot initiatives. (Another heat-stressed and depressed polar bear named Arturo is currently held at an Argentinian zoo and, despite public pressure, the zoo Director has refused to have him relocated.). And an animal that you can't see, that's a pretty crappy zoo exhibit." Zoo visitors found the repetitive swimming by the 700-pound polar bear mesmerizing. It happens so much, its got a name: zoochosis. And its not just the zookeeper whos implicated. If you take a big cat, and you put it in an exhibit, and it starts to express a compulsive order that. He was the iconic image for Central Park, said Jim Breheny, the general director for zoos and aquariums for the Wildlife Conservation Society, which runs the citys zoos. Rachel Forbar, National Geographic writer, stated some recorded situations where zoos have mistreated their animals by making big cats perform in gladiator-style shows, elephants play basketball and diapered chimpanzees ride scooters. I encountered a pair of burrowing owls in a small glass enclosure whose informational placard unironically stated that their natural habitat is "open spaces." Gus displayed neurotic behavior by swimming in figure eights in his cramped pool, sometimes up to 12 hours a day. But good luck getting some hard numbers on the practice. The Milwaukee Zoo writes on its website that exchanging animals with other zoos "helps to keep their collection fresh and exciting.". In the summer of 2013 he had poor appetite and difficulty chewing and swallowing food. In 1994, notice was drawn to his peculiar swimming protocol. At least 14 zoos have used drugs to control behavior considered "undesirable" (upsetting to visitors) in . Animals in zoos unused to the conditions and close quarters of their enclosures can develop mental health issues, experts say. You are separated from your loved ones, leaving your mother in severe pain and grief. Who are some of the past and present voices in the fight to protect our planet? Explore the major threats to biodiversity. Dolphins ram their heads into the sides of pools, and sea lion pups try to nurse from each other instead of adult females.
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