Life is short in confined spaces of zoos

[dArKeR]

Animals that roam in the wild fare poorly when they are caged in zoos, according to a new study that calls for an overhaul of the way such animals are kept.

In captivity, nomadic animals like polar bears have a higher infant mortality rate and show more abnormal behaviour than naturally sedentary animals do, according to British researchers who analysed 30 years of scientific data.

The problem is so widespread worldwide that most zoos need to improve their confinement conditions by building larger, more complex exhibits for roving animals, said Georgia Mason, an Oxford University zoologist and the study's lead author.

Alternatively, zoos could phase out roaming animals.

http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?click_id=31&art_id=vn20031002151318782C328544&set_id=1

[demnan]

1. If you have cats who have previously been allowed outdoors

and they are confined you really have to work with them to keep their spirits up. You have to play with them and keep a special time to pet and love them. They have given up so much for you. I love my little Lily.

[kwolf68]

2. Not all zoos

The road side zoos and menageries are an issue no doubt, but large zoos doing real research and education, saving genetic material, etc...give us hope.

The Bush wildlife people are opening up the can further and expect more Tigers in apartments and Cougars in basements. Its a pathetic disgrace the way we treat animals. Pathetic.