An Asian elephant in a European zoo. An adult female elephant, her adult daughter and their calves in a natural, free-range population. Living in a zoo shortens an elephant's life, according to a new research study published in the journal Science.
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Wild and Long-LivedThe findings show that captive elephants live considerably shorter lives. For African elephants, the median life span is 17 years for zoo-born females, compared to 56 years in the Amboseli National Park population.
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.
Broadly, some elephant experts say urban zoos simply don't have the space that African elephants, who roam extensive distances in the wild to forage for hundreds of pounds of vegetation each day, need for a normal life.
Anything remaining will be cremated, including even the tiniest of animals. “Everything from guppies to elephants is incinerated,” says Neiffer. While burials were once commonplace at zoos, very few bury their animals anymore.
For lions in captivity, the average lifespan can be much greater because they don't have natural threats. Instead, they are cared for by zookeepers that provide them with healthcare, food, and other necessities. There are no challenges for power that can overthrow male lions, and no lioness has to hunt for their food.
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.