Should large cats like this be kept in captivity?"China was once home to a large Siberian tiger population, but rapid growth and a demand for animal parts has pushed the tiger to the brink of extinction. Growing up to three metres long and weighing just under half a tonne, the relentless search for food has given Siberian Tigers a reputation as one of nature's most vicious killers."
The problem is a combination of booming and rapidly expanding cities squeezing the tigers’ natural habitat, plus the market in tiger parts. As the dragon looms large, the tiger unfortunately diminishes. The government has taken some measures but it’s hard to see the process reversed or even halted and naturally, western pressure would have no effect.
It seems that unless some are bred in captivity, the species will perish. Wish raises the question asked at the beginning of the article: ‘Should large cats like this be kept in captivity?’
I don't know enough about the issue, really, James. My instincts say "no" but there are some zoos, such as the one at Bristol in the UK, where the animals have plenty of room to roam safely and are obviously happy. Such places seem to do a lot for conservation, from what I've read. No doubt I'll be corrected. I'll be interested to see what your other commenters have to say.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a rest tonight and feel better.
I think until we create the proper reserves around the world for the many animals that are threatened by human encroachment, we face no other choice than captive breeding.
ReplyDeletePerhaps once we have areas protected, and the numbers of species is growing, we can release them back.
I think 'welshcakes' makes a good point, as well, that zoos nowadays are bigger and better. Perhaps we have a better idea how to provide for these animals.
The San Diego Zoo in California has a wildlife park...no fences (save one big one around the acres and acres of land), no gates, no cages. It's just a land preserve for many different types of animals - lions, giraffes, hippos, etc. Perhaps this might be an answer.