Do zoos affect animals mental health?

Research has found the effects of captivity so detrimental, it can actually cause physical changes to brain structures, which can alter health and behavior. When animals are denied the ability to live sensory rich lives, and their experiences are limited to the dullest, most blank canvas, mental illness develops.



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In the wild, this is not something animals typically deal with. Animals brought from the wild into captivity, on the other hand, may suffer from chronic stress even if their basic physical needs are met. In part, this may be because wild animals perceive captive environments as threatening in and of themselves.

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5 Surprising Health Benefits of Visiting Animal Zoos Most zoos have a zoo animals list that enables guests to know what animals they have. The companionship that said animals provide can be a huge help to people who are struggling with depression and loneliness.

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According to National Geographic, Zoochosis is a neurological disorder that plagues nearly 80 percent of zoo animals, and is characterized by symptoms of anxiety and depression in zoo animals.

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We have no evidence whatsoever that wild animals are, in any way, happier than domesticated ones which are treated well. One of the consequences of domestication is a decrease in stress across the board.

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One of the most common forms of mistreatment is inadequate and limited living conditions. For example, tigers and lions have about 18,000 times less space in their captive enclosures than what they would have in the wild, and polar bears have one million times less space.

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That captivity can be REALLY bad for both physical AND psychological health. And while zoos have been really helpful is saving endangered animals, it doesn't work out for certain species. For example, most large carnivores like lions and tigers that are bred in captivity die when released into the wild.

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As a result of boredom and lack of stimulation or enrichment, animals in zoos oversleep, overeat, and show signs of severe frustration and mental instability. The term “zoochosis” refers to the psychological problems that affect animals in captivity; usually resulting in repetitive behaviors.

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Animals in captivity exhibit unnatural behaviours such as apathy, aggression, and stalled maturation (prolonged infantile behaviour). They also carry out a wide spectrum of stress behaviours, ranging from pacing to self-mutilation and beyond. These are not behaviours noted in the wild.

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  • Zoos don't educate the public enough to justify keeping animals captive.
  • Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health.
  • Zoo confinement is psychologically damaging to animals.


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Animal abuse is widespread in 75% of zoo and aquarium facilities. 96% of elephants in entertainment facilities are treated poorly. Polar bears have a million times less space in zoos. Only 18% of captive animals are endangered.

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Animals in zoos are forced to live in artificial, stressful, and downright boring conditions. Removed from their natural habitats and social structures, they are confined to small, restrictive environments that deprive them of mental and physical stimulation.

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Without stimulation, animals become restless or bored. They can also develop depression or anxiety when their mental health deteriorates. Mental health is equally important as physical health, so zoos that don't provide mental enrichment adversely affect their animals' health.

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How Do Zoos and Aquariums Aid In Animal Conservation?
  • Zoos and Aquariums Protect Endangered Species. AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums help reintroduce animals into the wild. ...
  • Repairing Ecosystems. ...
  • Rehabilitation. ...
  • Ecology. ...
  • Biodiversity.


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More than three-quarters of British zoos are failing to meet minimum animal welfare standards, according to a recent study. Elephants in zoos generally live less than half as long as their wild counterparts.

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Most big zoos have a fulltime staff of veterinarians and other health experts. They examine the animals and treat them in case they become ill. However, even in zoos, animals can get hurt.

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Six Species Saved From Extinction by Zoos As of 2017, 1,000 animals had been restored to the wild, while thousands more were living in zoo environments. Przewalski's Horse: The only truly wild species left in the world, Przewalski's Horse is native to the grasslands of Central Asia.

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AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums have collaborated on breeding and reintroduction programs that have helped save at least nine species like California condors, black-footed ferrets, Przewalski's horse, golden lion tamarins, American red wolves, and more from the brink of extinction.

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According to National Geographic, Zoochosis is a neurological disorder that plagues nearly 80 percent of zoo animals and is characterized by symptoms of depression and anxiety in nonhuman animals kept captive.

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Considering the questionable management practices and the poor or absent conservation and educational benefits, even in zoos considered to provide the best conditions, confining a wild animal to a lifetime of captivity in a zoo is, in our view, clearly unethical.

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