Quote:
Originally Posted by QuickSilver  ...{partial quote}
Training for most animals is done both to benefit us humans as researchers and for the animal. This is one reason I love animal training so much - it's a mutually beneficial activity.
Zoo keepers spend a tremendous amount of time thinking up ways to keep their animals engaged and fulfilled. For instance, there was a lion in the small NYC zoo who appeared to be depressed. His keepers started to hide his meals so he could "stalk" them, and his demeanor improved tremendously.
In any case, many animals live longer lives in captivity than they do in the wild, and you can make a good argument that many animals are better off.
Again, this is not to say that he MUST be kept in captivity, but releasing him is not a simple process, nor does it guarantee that he would be "happier". It's quite possible that he would not be accepted to into a wild pod, and he would have no social contact at all. He currently has bonded with his human trainers, and with the other whales he lives with. |
How has the research and training of tricks for Orcas in captivity benefited Orcas...bc I honestly don't understand that side of the argument?
How do zoos fulfill animals, what do you mean by that? Do you see how animals pace back-and-forth in their cages at zoos? Or how they rock and self-stim? Those behaviors are extremely meaningful in terms of the effects of captivity. I would not view those behaviors as signs of being fulfilled or engaged.
So are you saying that bc *some* animals live longer in captivity - that quantity of years equates with QUALITY of life? What do you mean "you can make a good argument that many animals are better off" in captivity?
I'm not sure anyone said releasing him was a simple process. There are also whale sanctuaries who were willing to care for him for the rest of his life - while also letting him be, if that's what he seemed to "prefer" (ie, no more training/tricks).