Zoo Ethics: The Challenges of Compassionate Conservation

by Jenny Gray

Overview

Well-run modern zoos and aquariums do important research and conservation work and teach visitors about the challenges of animals in the wild and the people striving to save them. They help visitors to consider their impact and think about how they can make a difference. Yet for many there is a sense of disquiet and a lingering question remains – can modern zoos be ethically justified?

Zoo Ethics examines the workings of modern zoos and considers the core ethical challenges that face those who choose to hold and display animals in zoos, aquariums or sanctuaries. Using recognised ethical frameworks and case studies of ‘wicked problems’, this book explores the value of animal life and the impacts of modern zoos, including the costs to animals in terms of welfare and the loss of liberty. It also considers the positive welfare and health outcomes of many animals held in zoos, the increased attention and protection for their species in the wild, and the enjoyment and education of the people who visit zoos.

A thoughtfully researched work written in a highly readable style, Zoo Ethics will empower students of animal ethics and veterinary sciences, zoo and aquarium professionals and interested zoo visitors to have an informed view of the challenges of compassionate conservation and to develop their own defendable, ethical position.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781486307005
Publisher:	CSIRO PUBLISHING
Publication date:	07/03/2017
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	256
File size:	530 KB

About the Author

Jenny Gray is the Chief Executive Officer of Zoos Victoria and will assume the role of President of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 2017. Joel Sartore is a photographer, speaker, author, teacher, and conservationist. A regular contributor to National Geographic, he is the author of The Photo Ark.

Table of Contents

Introduction - of beetles, people and zoos
Terminology
1. Introduction to applied ethics and zoos
2. The modern zoo
3. The moral disquiet with zoos
4. Animal welfare
5. Animal rights beyond Welfare
6. Consequentialism
7. Virtue theory
8. Environmental ethics
9. Conclusion
Further reading
Index

What People are Saying About This

Kristin Vehrs

Zoo Ethics explores challenges that face modern zoos and aquariums. It is a thought-provoking, balanced discussion of the issues and is both an interesting and challenging read for zoo and aquarium professionals.

Susan Hunt

Jenny Gray has developed a compelling and detailed exploration of the ethical management of zoos and of zoo animal welfare. Zoo Ethics is a challenging and thought-provoking read and is essential for zoo professionals and indeed anyone with an interest in animal ethics.

Editorial Reviews

An exercise in applied ethics, bringing together ethical frameworks with real information about the ways zoos are run, and their positive and negative impacts.... This book succeeds in giving a sense of the depth of the problem of defining and operating an ethical zoo, and as the author concludes: "It is possible for zoos to be operated ethically. Yet it is not easy" (p. 208).

Quarterly Review of Biology

This text is a meticulous examination of ethical considerations pertaining to zoos and their practices.... The book considers a range of ethical issues, including animal welfare, animal rights, consequentialism, virtue theory, and environmental ethics of the conservation of species. Gray thoughtfully considers these topics in the context of the history of zoos' treatment of animals, both as trained spectacles and in terms of housing.... Overall, this is a provocative, educational resource for students and professionals alike.

Choice

Dr. Gray writes with clear vision of the future roles of zoos as hubs of local and international conservation, teachers of environmental responsibility, and world-class animal care and welfare. It is clear from her writing she will bring the same vision and expectation of excellence into her role as the president of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. This book is a valuable resource for zoo professionals, providing insight into how zoos can stay relevant in the 21st century. It is also a useful background for members of the public who are interested in the inner workings of zoos, or anyone interested in ethical considerations of working with animals.

Zoo Biology

I very much appreciate the quality of thought and nuance the author brings to this book, and I am recommending it because it is a superior example of a book on the modern-day ethics of human uses of animals.

Science Scope

Zoo ethics is best suited to those with an interest in animal welfare and ethics, zoo and wildlife medicine and anyone who feels 'moral disquiet' about zoos. Calling on zoo professionals to rise to the challenge of transforming zoos using compassionate conservation, Gray recognises that many zoos cannot continue to ignore the needs of their animals. This book is a thoughtprovoking addition to the field of animal and zoo ethics.

Australian Veterinary Journal

"An exercise in applied ethics, bringing together ethical frameworks with real information about the ways zoos are run, and their positive and negative impacts.... This book succeeds in giving a sense of the depth of the problem of defining and operating an ethical zoo, and as the author concludes: "It is possible for zoos to be operated ethically. Yet it is not easy" (p. 208)."

QUARTERLY REVIEW OF BIOLOGY

"Zoo Ethics explores challenges that face modern zoos and aquariums. It is a thought-provoking, balanced discussion of the issues and is both an interesting and challenging read for zoo and aquarium professionals."

Kristin Vehrs

"Jenny Gray has developed a compelling and detailed exploration of the ethical management of zoos and of zoo animal welfare. Zoo Ethics is a challenging and thought-provoking read and is essential for zoo professionals and indeed anyone with an interest in animal ethics."

Susan Hunt