Can a zoo lion survive in the wild?

Even a lifetime in the most humane zoo will have left animals too affected by years of sheltered existence. Captive animals seldom learn crucial survival skills and often are too habituated to human contact. Lacking a natural fear of humans, they are vulnerable to poachers and ill equipped for life in the wild.



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Most of these animals were born in captivity, with zoos playing a major role in such projects, while other schemes involve moving wild animals to new areas. This study reviewed 45 case studies, involving 17 carnivore species, and found that only 30% of captive animals released survived.

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Lions can't be tamed One interesting study found that lions are entirely unsuitable to life in captivity (Clubb & Mason, 2003, 2007). In the wild, lions have one of the largest home ranges of all large carnivores, in which they travel in on a daily basis.

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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.

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On average, captive animals (especially mammals) live longer than wild animals. This may be due to the fact that zoos provide refuge against diseases, competition with others of the same species and predators.

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Protection Against Extinction Even currently, many species are going extinct across the globe, and many more are facing the threat of extinction. Modern zoos and aquariums help combat these problems. Breeding programs help preserve genetic biodiversity and help reintroduce critically endangered species into the wild.

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Zoos and aquariums also often rehabilitate injured animals, and then release them into the wild.

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Four African long-tailed shrikes escaped from an aviary at the Minnesota Zoo last summer when a worker inadvertently left open a door to the enclosure. The previous year the zoo lost a Eurasian eagle owl that escaped its enclosure. It was later found dead along a roadside.

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After an animal dies, a necropsy is done to determine a specific cause of death to list beyond simply euthanasia, and the results are added to the animal's permanent file. Once this testing is completed, the remains of the animal are cremated.

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Animals at these unsafe, non accredited zoos are often at risk for overbreeding, which can lead to overcrowded zoo spaces, with animals being sold to other zoos and circuses without as much thought to each animal's best interests.

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