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Asked by: Aiden Haid
events and attractions zoos and aquariumsAre animals better off in the zoo or in the wild?
Last Updated: 20th January, 2020
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Considering this, can zoo animals survive in the wild?
Most animals confined in zoos are not endangered, nor are they being prepared for release into natural habitats. In fact, it is nearly impossible to release captive-bred animals, including threatened species like elephants, polar bears, gorillas, tigers and chimpanzees into the wild.
Subsequently, question is, are animals in the zoo sad? It is possible that sometimes animals can be 'sad' about something, or stressed due to some change in their environment. Animals do have their own lives outside of your zoo visit, and many things may be going on that could result in an animal(s) not being in the best mood while you're viewing it.
Accordingly, how long do animals live in zoos compared to the wild?
Wild: Wild elephants have long life spans and typically live 60 to 70 years of age. Captive: Captive elephants have significantly lower life spans than their wild counterparts and are usually dead before the age of 40.
Why do some animals live in the wild and others live in zoos?
Many smaller species live longer in zoos compared to their wild counterparts because lifespans in the wild are shorter due to predation or intraspecific competition. Animals in zoological facilities have no immediate threats or competitors. Years of research have improved all aspects of managing animals in human care.