do any animals thrive, or at least adapt well to captivity in zoos?

Question

or else, which ones have the worst time, the most stress, or are usually comepletely unable to adjust?

thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Since the enclosures are now larger many animals adapt and even breed in captivity.
Some energetic animals like ratel will feel difficult to adjust.

Answer 2

There are very few Zoos in the world that have enough land to support herd animals in the proper quantities to prevent stress.

Animals with high intelegence such as apes, wild cats, and bear species often get bored with the small enclosures and no stimulation and will atrophy unless given intelectual stimulation.

Birds often need aviaries so large, that for the normal zoo guest, they become impossible to see. If their enclosure is not large enough for full flight, their muscles atrophy and they often go into a depression. Soaring birds such as raptors and sea birds are impossible to enclose properly as they need a high enough and large enough space to glide on air currents.

So, if you have all the money in the world, and the best intentions, you are still going to have animals that would be much happier in the wild than in captivity. There is an alternative tho.

Animals that have been injured or illegally traded as pets need homes. They cannot be released back into the wild and need to be placed in appropriate places. Getting onto the list for these animals would both help build a zoo, as well as teach visitors about negative human interaction with animals.

Answer 3

depends on many factors - the zoo conditions,the enclosures, the stimulation provided, the species itself. For instance, apes are very sociable creatures that work to a strict hierarchy. If u were to put a chimp or gorilla in an enclosure on its own, it would suffer badly and eventually die. some species are not suited to captivity at all - polar bears and elephants are two examples. Smaller species are better suited as adequate space can be provided to ensure the creature has a good quality of life. Having said that, providing the quality of the enclosure is good and enrichment is provided, some animals can have a very happy life in captivity.

Answer 4

Personally, I think it is an act of cruelty. It saddens me to go to the zoo. Yes, they might be protected from other predators that want to kill and eat them, but who is truly the enemy when you kill their innate spirit to survive freely? You are not seeing them in their true "element" unless you go on safari in Africa---so to speak.

Answer 5

I would have to say the birds! The ones that the people can feed... They look like they are VERY happy to be there!!