The Pros And Cons Of Animal Captivity

Human fascination for lions and tigers has prompted circuses, such as Ringling Brothers, to hold these feline animals in captivity for entertainment. However, these actions are morally impermissible because it causes unnecessary harm and suffering, therefore compromising the animal’s welfare (21). Furthermore, the moral issue that arises is whether these circuses are minimizing the level of discomfort their animals experience. The basis of these arguments is not whether lions and tigers have the same mental capacity or communication skills as humans, but the ability to feel pain and discomfort.
Not to mention, the capacity to feel suffering should be the basis for moral consideration to provide these animals a stable environment that allows

These animals require an ambient temperature range, similar to that of humans to survive and live comfortably (124). However, traveling circuses do not invest in air conditioning or heaters. Therefore, subjecting their animals to extreme heat and cold, which fails to complement their required temperature range (124). A study by Texas A&M University revealed that Ringling Brothers made their caravan of tigers experience 86 degrees Fahrenheit temperatures for more than ten consecutive hours

Shows comprise of predatory animals like tigers and lions performing tricks through the command of a trainer. This gives the wrong impression to children that these animals are used for amusement and as objects (127). Rather than highlighting the ecological significance and the need for conservation towards these animals, children will most likely remember them as animals that perform (128). Further implications can increase exotic pet trade, under market values, the price for a lion or tiger cub is $2,500 (127). The survival rate for these cubs are slim because 98% of all exotic pets in the United States die within the first two years (127). These are the results of treating wild animals as mere objects for human