1. The certification process is equivalent to the accreditation process but is designed for wildlife-holding facilities that are non- commercial entities and that are not open to the public on a regular basis. Reasons for controlling the urban rat population are abundant: The animals can spread diseases to humans, destroy property and damage native ecosystems. They also get to meet adults who have turned their love for animals into a career, and with whom they can identify. While most of the best zoos in the country are involved in conservation projects (both at the zoos themselves and all around the globe), Denver goes above and beyond with support for over six hundred projects since the mid-nineties. Although many visitors still see the zoo as an fun attraction to breakaway from reality for an hour or two, Kubie said being named on this list will hopefully bring to light the true meaning of modern zoos. African Safari Wildlife Park, Ohio The entertainment of visitors is crucial, and animals often suffer because of that. Contents show What Is The Most Ethical Zoo In The World? Thankfully, after the lawsuit, the bears were moved to an appropriate sanctuary. Voted the best zoo in Europe for five years in a row, this UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site is home for more than 700 species of animals. Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, Wash. The Smithsonian's National Zoo is 163 acres and is home to 2,700 animals. Racine Zoological Gardens, Wis. Zoo #proponents argue "the institutions are With pros and cons linked to #zoos, are these conservation and research tools still relevant? Most recently, the Commission reviewed 28 accreditation applications and two certification applications. Zoo #proponents argue "the institutions are With pros and cons linked to #zoos, are these conservation and research tools still relevant? Remarkable care and enclosure sizes is quite vague, sorry for that. Northeastern Wisconsin (NEW) Zoo, Wis. On top of its global work, the Houston Zoo spearheads local projects to save native Texas species from extinction, including the Houston toad and the Attwater's prairie chicken. The Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle struck me as very well done. It's well documented that animals psychologically and emotionally suffer in zoos. The Three Bears General Store has been cited by the USDA for their treatment of these animals, including not allowing them free access to their dens, but keeping them locked out during the day so that tourists can be guaranteed a show. "So, there are cases of urgency, where in fact animals can justify being kept, and must be kept in captivity. The zoo has been cited for using dogs to keep elephants in line (even allowing them to be bitten), and also continued to use bullhooks up until 2017, even when that meant withdrawing from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums when they banned the practise. I mention in F.O.12 through F.O.14 that most zoo research is . Its also the only one with national status. SILVER SPRING, Md. It also happens to be one of the best zoos in the world thanks to its various rare animal exhibits, along with its captive breeding program thats helping tosave dozens of at-risk species, and its richspecies protection program in the wild. Come check out everything from reptiles to sea lions, a gorilla family to colorful Caribbean fish, and more, all in one place. There will be no reason to give cows any sort of life at all, except perhaps for a few in zoos and the like (and zoos, of course, raise another set of ethical questions). Riverside Discovery Center, Neb. TRAVEL + LEISURE is a registered trademark of Travel + Leisure Co., registered in the United States and other countries. In 1882, Ueno Zoo was the first zoo to open in Japan, and it still boasts the highest number of guests among all zoos in the country. A connection is made to a world beyond our own that will live with them forever. Topeka Zoo, Kan. They care for their animals as a parent would care for a child. planet is one in a billion, a world teeming with life. The Denver Zoo has been ranked as one of the best and most ethical zoos in the United States by Travel + Leisure. The last time I was there, the fencing and padlocks on the lion exhibit were extremely rusty. Although this zoo has Conservation Center baked right into the name, it certainly has a poor track record when it comes to the treatment of elephants. If you need a little help starting your research, check out theAssociation of Zoos and Aquariums(AZA) and itslist of AZA-accredited locations. If those figures were not impressive enough, there are also 45 countries with the San Diego Zoo Global Conservation Project, more than 380 collaborative partnerships, and three continents where they conduct education outreach programs. The Wellington Zoowas New Zealands first zoo, as well as the areas oldest conservation program. This Oklahoma zoo features a range of wild animals, but the biggest attraction by far are the big cats. At the zoo, guests can visit its chimpanzees, snow leopards, and even a few very special kiwi birds. The 84-acre zoo that is home to lions, zebras and elephants was joined alongside world renown facilities such as the San Diego Zoo, Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park and the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington D.C. The accreditation process includes a detailed application and a meticulous on-site inspection by an independent team of trained zoological professionals. Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. Sure, you can visit some of its adorable creatures, but it also happens to be a global leader in conservation efforts and is part of the Smithsonian Institution, the worlds largest museum, and research complex, meaning it has the resources to truly help the animal kingdom. Lake Superior Zoo, Minn. Ethical zoos also provide resources to protect threatened and endangered species such as anti-poaching rangers. Lincoln Park Zoological Gardens, Ill. Many go above and beyond to ensure animal welfare, protect endangered species, revive dwindling populations through captive breeding programs, and educate people on the plight of some of the world's rarest creatures. In addition to all that, they run a large number of activities including behind-the-scenes habitat tours and craft beer tastings! To help you determine the best and most ethical zoos in the U.S., the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) came up with a list of AZA-accredited locations that provide excellent care for animals and a better future for all living things. What Im looking for are zoos that have something special about their care/enclosure that could inspire others. The zoo also offers day and evening events and up close animal experiences that include a look behind the scenes at the various habitats. Cape May County Park Zoo, N.J. The best zoos in the world pair stellar animal experiences with conservation work. LinkedIn The inspecting team observes all aspects of the facilitys operation, including animal welfare and well-being; veterinary care; keeper training; safety for visitors, staff, and animals; educational programs; conservation efforts; financial stability; risk management; guest services; and other areas. "(It's) the most important thing that we do and it's critical to our mission," Kubie said. Here are 20 of the best zoos that work hard to make the world a better place for people and animals. Denver Zoological Gardens, Colo. Plus, its wildlife alliance arm has made great strides in areas like genetic diversity, reproductive sciences, disease, and population sustainability in an effort to help save plants and wildlife worldwide. Toledo Zoological Gardens, Ohio They have invested $73 million into an African Grassland which spans 28 acres. Our research provides strong support for the value of zoos in connecting people with animals and with nature. San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park is probably the first one that leaps to mind when thinking about ethical zoos, and with good reason. Of the estimated 2,700 animal exhibits with any form of license in the US, less than 10% are AZA-accredited. Were it not for opportunities to observe these beautiful, wild creatures close to home, many more people would be driven by their fascination to travel to wild areas to seek out, disturb and even hunt them down. And thats a good thing, considering its home to more than 5,000 animals. Travel + Leisure is published by Meredith Corporation under license from Travel + Leisure Co. And all those visits help to support its global conservation work, as well as its local projects that aim to protect native animals, like the Houston toad, from extinction. : Arguments For And Against, 10 Transparent Animals You Won't Believe Exist, There's Always A Dog, Or Some Geese, Or Broken Glass, Bom Caminho II: The Rhythm of the Portuguese Way, Erongarcuaro: A Place of Waiting, Whipping, and Wandering, Bom Caminho I: Starting A Walk Across Portugal, Transfgran: Winding Through Romania's Mountains, Balkaniada Sky Race: A Bulgarian Adventure. The zoo is home to more than 20,000 animals and works to educate every guest on not only their conservation programs but how individuals can take action, too. In the UK, all licensed zoos should conform to an 'ethical review process' which includes ensuring that captive animals are allowed to display natural behaviour. This zoo also works on various conservation and breeding programs, including its localBig City Birds projectthat invites the public to report sightings on its easy-to-use app. This may help, however not every zoo location will be on there as just looked up for the zoos in my area which are all the same group and it only showed the main zoo in the city, not the two others outside of the city. Some animals at Vienna Zoo: one of the best zoos in Europe Here are some of the best animals you can see at Vienna Zoo! The remaining elephant survived, but reportedly,has been kept in isolation there due to issues with the other elephants, leaving this highly social creature alone, while activists petition for her move to a sanctuary. Sanctuaries are a growing and ethical alternative to animals kept in captivity and on display. The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries is the accrediting body for sanctuaries, with 200 members in the United States and abroad. While many facilities undoubtedly do great things when it comes to conservation and science, there are several who argue this doesn't absolve them of taking wild animals from their natural habitats and flying them across the world, to be used, at least in part, for human entertainment. Landmarked as Americas first zoo, it is home to more than 2,500 animals, many who are endangered and rare. Each year the zoo brings in about 1.9 million visitors and its focus is on conservation and repopulation. Zoo Ethics examines the workings of modern zoos and considers the core ethical challenges faced by people who choose to hold and display animals in zoos, aquariums, or sanctuaries. Of course. This zoo (and botanical garden) is one of the oldest in the country, founded in 1875. But in addition to offering glimpses of tigers, lions, and gorillas, the zoological theme park has done wonders on growing its elephant and giraffe herds. The Edinburgh Zoois home to more than 2,500 animals from around the world, including its famed giant pandas, a huddle of penguins, and Scotlands only sloths. Read More As part of the Zoos Master Plan, exhibits were recreated throughout the last 40 years to ensure the most suitable environment for the animals. One hundred percent of the focus of our organization and its member sanctuaries is on the humane care of their animals. "There's a huge difference between a 'zoo' and an accredited zoo, and when you look at that list of zoos there is a big difference between animal care and conservation efforts," said Jake Kubie, a spokesperson for the Denver Zoo. Come see its more than 20,000 animals representing more than 1,300 species, including a few polar bears. Animal adoption is encouraged at the Philadelphia Zoo, as they have thousands of mouths to feed, leading their annual grocery bill to over $500,000. The Denver Zoo's annual "Squish the Squash" event in October 2018. Two institutions, the Henson Robinson Zoo and the Bidome de Montreal, elected to let their accreditation expire at the end of September to allow for construction and other internal improvements before seeking accreditation for another five years. The documentarian's desire for us to visit these facilities and admire the world's creatures isn't surprising, seeing as we're literally racing against the clock to save them. Godfrey Mchunguzi Oyema, MCIWEM C.WEM, NEBOSH en LinkedIn: Are zoos ethical? If you continue using our website, we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on this website and you agree to our Privacy Policy. Some aspects of the most ethical and the best zoos in the world include: Progressive conservation projects . In 2016, Oklahoma City Zoo made headlines when they took in two Asian elephants from Seattles Woodland Park, after that zoo decided to close their elephant exhibit. American Humane, the countrys first national humane organization, certifies the humane treatment of animals in more than 60 zoos and aquariums around the globe. Smithsonian National Zoo, MD Located in Washington D.C., this AZA-accredited zoo is free for all who wish to enter! The Preservation Station has been repeatedly cited for violating the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA), failing to provide adequate medical care, large enough enclosures, and even clean water and protection from the elements. There are plenty of phenomenal zoos across the United States, places where animals are well treated and where the ticket price doesnt just go to feeding and housing, but to conservation, education, and research. The Cincinnati Zoobegan as the Zoological Society of Cincinnati in 1873, making it the second-oldest zoo in the U.S. These scientists at SCBI are actively studying and breeding more than 20 species, from clouded leopards to red pandas. Its what animals deserve and is the moral choice. The flagship zoo for the renowned Wildlife Conservation Society is home to more than 10,000 animals and even operates its own zoo hospital. Godfrey Mchunguzi Oyema, MCIWEM C.WEM, NEBOSH auf LinkedIn: Are zoos ethical? With modern technology, film makers are able to bring us up close and personal with anim. Sitting on 724 acres of rolling hills in Somerset County, the International Conservation Center (ICC), is North Americas premier facility for African elephant conservations, education, training, breeding, and research. In addition to Australia House (emus, wombats, and kangaroos) and Habitat Africa (giraffes, antelope, and crocodiles), there's an ambassador program where guests can attend zoo chats and demonstrations led by animal care specialists. Adoptable animals include but are not limited to giraffes, rhinos, and red pandas. Granted the zoo resembled a menagerie in its past, the zoo has transformed since 1980. Species are vanishing at a rate 10 times faster than in nature and almost one million species are facing extinction within the decade. If you do see her there, please say hello. "Oceans, sunlight, weather and volcanoes - together these powerful yet fragile Ever heard of Fiona, the world-famous hippo? What is an Ethical Zoo? Visitors will be immersed in a world with red pandas, Indian rhinos, sloth bears, Amur tigers, snow leopards and so much more. "We are facing a real crisis, this is not just talk or fantasy. Our studies focused on the impact of zoo experiences on how people think about themselves and nature, and the data points extracted from our studies do not, in any way, discount what is learned in a zoo visit. Its also a place with rich educational activities for visitors of all ages, including school programs and opportunities to spend time with its conservation team. Are any zoos ethical? From this list, we selected 14 of the most popular zoos in the U.S., according to the AZA, to make your next visit a little easier to plan. There are currently 236 accredited zoos and aquariums on the list, and if you care to conduct your own research on whether the zoo you plan to visit is accredited, you can check out the AZAs website. To red pandas breeding more than 10,000 animals and even operates its zoo. 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