Wildlife disease

The growing pressures of extinction for over 3,000 Australian native species are currently threatening the Australian ecosystem’s ecological balance. A major contributor to these pressures is the introduction of mesopredators such as foxes and feral cats. These species have been able to strive in the Victorian region as Australia’s native apex predators such as the dingo, have been removed or culled from the area (Milman, 2015). Therefore, with no threat of predation, no fatal disease threats and an extreme reproductive rate, these species have been able to over populate regions all over Australia. Feral animals pose a great threat to native species by predation, competition for food and shelter, destroying habitat, and by spreading diseases. Feral animals are generally solitary and nocturnal, spending most of the day in the safety of shelters such as rabbit burrows, logs or rock piles (The Department of the Environment, 2014). On Australia’s mainland, predation by…

Wildlife Trafficking: the Elephant in the Room, But Without the Elephants Many people think it is cool and unique to have an exotic pet and stand out among their peers. But for every animal that is transported from its native country for sale, 90% will not survive the journey (“Inside”). That means that only 10% of animals are likely to last just the trip, which does not include the dozens of animals that are canceled orders, abandoned, or starving because of inadequate care and lack of a…

From zoos, to aquariums, to petting zoos, and even our own pets, humans have always been fascinated by animals, and have gone to certain extents to use them for learning purposes, preservation, survival, companionship, and occasionally entertainment. Menageries allow people to learn about animals from a safe distance and see some animals which they would never have seen if it were not for wildlife parks. Many argue that captive animals are not happy in their environment, and should be set free…

becoming a lot more common. But, when you boil down the facts, the truth is that exotic animals should not be owned as pets for reasons such as wild instincts, the unmaintainability of these pets, and the possible severe health risks accompanied with being around these animals. Exotic animals should not be allowed to be owned as pets because plainly stated, exotic animals are not domesticated. There isn't a general shape or size of these animals and therefore no two exotic animals should be…

inspired by the London zoo. Critics say zoos are inhumane because wild animals are not designed to be in captivity. While supporters say the animals are highly benefitted in zoos because they are protected for predators, starvation, or other dangerous threats. Viewpoint #1 The general director of the Wildlife Conservation Society which operates the Bronx Zoo in New York City, Richard L. Lattis, states “Zoos help create support for keeping endangered animals alive in the wild.” Many captive…

the windows open. What on Earth could be so disgusting? Well, a skunk is the culprit. It just so happens I live in a neighborhood where there inhabits a nearby Wildlife Refuge. Since we live so close to the wildlife refuge we see a variety of animals roaming around the area. This occurs quite frequently. A possum got stuck in our backyard, and I saw a mother skunk and her little ones walking in the street. Wild animals continue to roam the area at…

According to National Geographic, the article “Exotic Pets”, former exotic wildlife owner, Tim Harrison claims, “(I) will never again own anything wild or exotic./ (I) believe ownership of all potentially dangerous exotic animals should be banned”. Therefore even a former owner of wolves, snakes, lions, and bears agrees that having possession of wild animals can be extremely dangerous to a person considering exotic pets can be unpredictable. Furthermore, owners of exotic pets do not realize the…

discomfort. Moreover, the change of habitat is another way of making them to suffer. By one side, they are forced to adapt themselves into a new environment and a new ecosystem, adding also the way of taking care, if it is not the appropriate, it may be catastrophic. Then, there are many ways of making exotic animals to suffer and sometimes to die. Strange animals are dangerous by several sides. Many of them, although people don’t know, are infected with bacteria and viruses. This makes…

visuals of the zoo can stress the animals out as well. Many wild animals may have never seen a human before and have an instinct to stay away from the. Being put in a cage for everyone to see them can call out to them can put the animal into a very stressful situation. Excessive stress can damage the animal’s immune system causing them to get diseases easier and make them sick more often. The animal may adjust the being at the zoo, but until then it is an unnecessary amount of stress to the…

Using Captive Breeding for Conservation of Exotic Animals: Are there Ethical Concerns? Imagine a hypothetical observance of an enclosed lion exhibit, proudly displayed in a local zoo. Stationed at the apex of a nearby hill is Tamarin, a spectacular example of an immaculate exotic animal, practicing his patience while playing with his cubs. Curiosity stimulates a concern for this animal. Does he enjoy inhabiting this place? How does he compare to his wildlife counterpart? Is it just and ethical…