Obesity, Inactivity

The results of Breton’s study is shown in Figure 2. The graph shows a negative correlation between the two factors, enclosure size and total distance paced. This means that the tigers that lived in smaller spaces paced more than the tigers living in larger spaces. Tigers held in zoos are unable to move around as if they were in their natural living environment. This creates frustration for the tigers and leads to aggression. The small-enclosed living spaces in zoos lead tigers to suffer psychological disorders similar to those of humans. Tigers suffer from anxiety and depression due to the small living spaces. These effects to the tigers’ psychological welfare create a long-term effect to their growth and development. According to Dr. Meredith
Big cats have the instinct to hunt for their food and attack their prey. Tigers and lions are no accustomed to eat on a scheduled diet. Dr. Joanne D. Altman, professor in the department of psychology of Washburn University, describes, “lions in captivity face problems of obesity, inactivity and stereotypy” (Altman 45). Lions are unable to exercise due to the lack of space and are unable to hunt for their own food. In Altman’s experiment, Altman tried to change up the feeding schedule for lions at zoos. Instead of feeding lions small amounts of food at scheduled times of the day, lions were fed large amounts of food at random times throughout the day. The result of this experiment showed an increase in health of the lions. There was a decrease in pacing and a decrease in obesity. It also improved the problem of depression. Lions were less likely to be depressed, because they had more energy with the new feeding
Their goal is to educate the public, conserve, and protect the animals that are on the endangered species list. Hosey, director of the psychology and life science department in Bolton Institute, stated, “Zoos often encounter conflicts among their goals. For example, the possibly of being physically close to and interacting with animals increases the appeal of a zoo for many visitors” (Hosey 5). It is so longer entertaining for visitors to just see the animals. Zoos understand that in order to gain more profit, they would have to find a way to attract visitors to visit zoos. People today pay more money just to have a closer interaction with these animals. They pay more money to take pictures with these animals or feed the animals. The People for the Ethical Treatments of Animals (PETA), the Humane Society, and the National Geographic, all well-known advocates that aim to protect animal welfare, push towards an idealistic solution to help animals in zoo captivity. They propose the solution of not going to zoos. These advocates believe that zoos are going against their goals and zoos are not benefiting the animals compared to conservations or sanctuaries. This solution is an ideal solution because although it might seem great to the animals, it is hard to convince the public to stop going to zoos. Zoos provide a place for people to visit animals and interact