Do These Lemurs Belong in the Zoo?

Proponents of zoos argue that they are essential in saving wild animals and their habitats. In 2024, accredited facilities—zoos and aquariums that meet specific standards for animal care and safety—spent $341 million on conservation efforts in the wild.

In fact, some species today might not exist without zoos. Take the California condor, for example. In 1982, only 22 of these majestic creatures existed in the wild. Thanks to the efforts of multiple zoos—which cared for and bred a number of these endangered birds—there are now more than 500, with more than half living in the wild.

Many zoos also rescue and rehabilitate endangered animals that have been injured, orphaned, or illegally captured and sold.

But many critics challenge the idea that zoos meaningfully drive conservation. They point out that while some zoo-based breeding programs have succeeded, studies suggest that efforts by zoos result in only a small number of species being successfully reintroduced back into the wild. 

Plus, many animals on display in zoos, such as pumas, baboons, and meerkats, are not endangered. Some people wonder if those animals really need the protection of zoos.

Still, some zoo professionals say that for many people, zoos are where caring about animals begins. Cassi Lyon, an anthrozoologist, explains that seeing animals in person can spark curiosity about nature. (An anthrozoologist is a scientist who studies the relationship between humans and animals.) That first experience, Lyon says, can get us to start asking important questions about animals, their habitats, and the challenges they face in the wild.

Dan Ashe, president and CEO of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), agrees. “Most people will never have the luxury of seeing these animals in the wild,” he explains. “So zoos are creating an opportunity for connection and empathy.”

On the other hand, there is limited evidence that zoos lead to long-term changes in people’s behavior. While many visitors say they enjoy seeing the wildlife, some researchers have pointed out that a trip to the zoo does not always result in lasting action, such as donating to environmental causes, changing daily habits, or supporting habitat protection.

What’s more, research shows that captivity can be a source of chronic stress for some animals. Scientists have documented zoo animals exhibiting certain behaviors, including pacing, swaying, and repetitive movements, that are often linked to long-term stress and sometimes to poor care. Lori Marino, animal welfare expert and founder of the Kimmela Center for Animal Advocacy, says that an animal’s well-being is about whether it can live fully as a member of its species. And in zoos, she argues, many animals cannot do that. “They may survive,” Marino says, “but surviving is not thriving.”

Critics also question whether captivity—no matter how carefully managed—can truly meet the complex needs of wild animals. Take elephants, for example. In the wild, elephants travel long distances each day and live in large, multigenerational family groups. These conditions are extremely difficult to re-create in zoo settings. For this reason, a number of zoos have shut down their elephant exhibits. These zoos don’t believe it’s possible to keep the exhibits running in an ethical way.

As the debate continues, many experts agree on one thing: Zoos are not all the same. So if you’re concerned about visiting one, try doing some research first. Experts on both sides of the debate say learning how a zoo cares for its animals, whether it is accredited, and how it supports wildlife beyond its gates can help visitors decide which places deserve their support. 

“We hope our guests are inquisitive, critical, and willing to speak up when something doesn’t seem right,” Ashe says.