Given the claim, "Zoos must shift their focus from being public attractions to becoming dedicated tools for wildlife conservation, as evidenced by the detrimental impact on animal behavior & breeding of non-endangered animals along with insufficient budget allocation to field conservation & inadequate visitor engagement.", write a body paragraph that consists of the two reasons "detrimental impact on animal behavior & breeding of non-endangered animals"
One of the key reasons why zoos must shift their focus from being public attractions to becoming dedicated tools for wildlife conservation is the detrimental impact on animal behavior and breeding of non-endangered animals. In many zoos, animals are often confined to small enclosures that do not adequately replicate their natural habitats. As a result, these animals may exhibit abnormal behaviors, such as pacing, self-mutilation, and aggression. For example, studies have shown that non-endangered species like lions and elephants can suffer from psychological distress and reduced reproductive success when confined to limited spaces. This lack of behavioral enrichment and freedom inhibits their natural instincts, leading to physical and mental health issues. Moreover, the limited size of enclosures can hinder natural mating behaviors, resulting in decreased breeding success. Inadequate space and separation from potential mates have been observed to contribute to diminished reproductive rates among non-endangered animals in captivity. Therefore, zoos' current focus on being public attractions neglects the negative impact on the behavior and breeding of non-endangered animals, further highlighting the urgency to prioritize wildlife conservation efforts.
