Lolita the orca whale spent over half a century in "the world's smallest orca tank" at the Miami Seaquarium. The tank was just 4 times her size. She would have needed to circle the tank 600 times in order to swim the same distance that orcas swim in one day in the wild.
Lolita died in captivity in 2023. Animal advocates around the world had worked tirelessly to get Lolita moved to a sanctuary, but she died before ever having the chance.
Elephants in the wild roam up to 35 miles in a day. But at the Oregon Zoo in Portland, elephants have only about 3 acres of outdoor space for an entire lifetime. You can take action here: https://freeoregonzooelephants.org/take-action/ (not affiliated with 600 Million Dogs).
As you know, zoos and aquariums deny animals their most basic right: to behave naturally.
Do you know someone who likes going to the zoo or the aquarium? Here are some facts about the cruelty that animals face in captivity, and alternative ways to engage with animals!
1. Cramped Living Conditions: The most obvious downside to zoos and aquariums is the lack of space. No matter how much effort is put into designing enclosures, they can never replicate the massive territories that animals have in the wild.
2. Mental and Emotional Distress: Confinement can lead to chronic stress and a range of neurotic behaviors, often termed "zoochosis." Symptoms can include repetitive pacing, swimming in circles, self-harm, and abnormal aggression.
3. Human Exposure: The constant flow of visitors is stressful for many species. Also, animals may be subjected to teasing or even harm.
4. Conservation Concerns: While some zoos attempt conservation and rehabilitation efforts, the vast majority of animals in zoos are not endangered. Individual animals don't know that their species is endangered. Wildlife conservation can be more effectively carried out by protecting animals in the wild and preserving their habitats. Since the majority of zoos are dependent on visitors in order to make money, the focus becomes on creating entertaining experiences for visitors.
5. Lost Natural Skills: Animals in captivity often don’t learn vital survival skills, making reintroduction into the wild difficult or impossible.
1. Wildlife Sanctuaries: These facilities prioritize the welfare of the animals they care for. They often rescue animals from dangerous circumstances and give them a place where they can live out their days in as natural an environment as possible. Unlike most zoos, they do not breed animals for display.
2. Wildlife Reserves and National Parks: These protected areas allow animals to roam freely in their natural habitats. Visiting such places gives you a chance to see animals behaving naturally, interacting with their environment and other species, without the limitations of captivity.
3. Animal Encounters in the Wild: Whether it's bird-watching in your local or national park, snorkeling to view marine life in the ocean, or going on a "photo safari" in countries that offer them, observing animals in their natural habitat can be a thrilling and educational experience. But it's important to research these experiences to be sure that they are carried out ethically.
For example, if you are interested in a wildlife photo safari, the focus should always be on viewing animals without interfering with their natural behavior or damaging their environment. Safaris that offer “petting zoos” or other encounters that exploit animals should be avoided. And of course, be careful not to join an actual hunting safari, in which participants pay for the opportunity to hunt and kill wild animals.
At 600 Million Dogs, we are vehemently opposed to the suffering of animals such as Lolita, the Oregon Zoo elephants, and the countless other wild animals languishing in captivity right now.
That is why we are also working to end the cycle of suffering for millions of stray dogs and cats, many of whom are trapped in shelters right now, waiting for homes that will never come.
Our nonprofit science-centered mission is to significantly reduce animal suffering on a global scale by developing a safe, edible, one-dose, permanent-lasting birth control Cookie for stray dogs and cats.
All wild animals deserve the chance to live free in the wild, and all companion animals deserve the safety and love of a home and guardian!
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