Freedom or Captivity: Where Do Wild Animals Truly Belong?

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A zoo and a recreational park are distinctly similar to each other, and that is to offer unique experiences for humans. While a zoo is a place where animals are housed, taken care of, and their purposes are for public viewing and conservation, a recreational park is designed to provide leisure time and facilitate physical activities. It is possible to have a section for a zoo in a recreational park, for example, the Omu Resort located in Lagos State.

The benefits of a recreational park are to promote the engagement of a community and their well-being. The primary focus of a zoo is to display different kinds of animals.

Are wild animals meant for exploitation?

Let's understand this: The zoo serves no other purpose than for entertainment. Animals are kept for show - for visitors to come around and watch while learning about their lives, lifespan and the like. They are also meant for educational purposes. For every entertainment purpose, there is a profit to make. But when it comes to humans exploiting such an opportunity, it becomes cruel.

Let me give a scenario: I watched a movie some time ago where a father bought a lion from the zoo for his selfish purpose. He maltreated the lion and would always sedate it whenever he wanted to come on stage in his building. The lion was always caged and drugged, so it doesn't roar, limiting its ability to show its power. He abused the animal for his selfish gain; thus, the exploitation, and it is not supposed to be that way.

It is then possible for humans to exploit these wild animals out of cruelty and a lack of feelings just for their entertainment. Animals like this should be treated kindly, even while still serving their purpose.

Are wild animals better in the wild? My Thoughts!

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Though the zoo plays a role in animal conservation and for educational purposes, I would say that these animals are better off kept in the wild for some reasons. They need the freedom to exhibit their natural behaviours, like being free to roam around while hunting and migrating.

This is important for their overall well-being because wild animals kept in cages are like being in captivity, where they are restricted and limited, and this can affect their longevity, as many could die from starvation and not being able to mimic their natural habitats.

Another reason is that animals kept in the wild and their little babies born there have the tendency to master their survival skills. They would be able to go hunting, learn how to avoid predators, play with each other, and they would have the freedom to do whatever they like and want. I love watching animal documentaries on YouTube where I get to see how different animals behave, how they survive and practice staying longer in the wild.

They are just like human beings who have the freedom to explore different life skills on how to survive and beat their enemies and the world around them unlike those who are restricted and locked indoors (cages) and won't be able to learn various survival skills which could affect the way they behave, especially in their vulnerability state as times goes on.

Wild animals in the wild may have a greater genetic diversity and can easily adapt to changes in environmental conditions. The ones locked in cages may be more vulnerable to these changes.

Wild animals have the autonomy and independence than those locked in cages. The former are free to make choices and live their lives as they want, while the latter ones would only have to depend on human care for survival. For instance, the two lions I met at the Omu resort on our last trip, where one almost pounced on me. The two lions were starving, and one could see through their bones and veins. These definitely would be vulnerable and could attack when they see the chance.