Panel on the Ethics of Exotic Animals in Captivity

Introduction

• Three 15-minute talks followed by a discussion.
• Speakers: Dr. Laurie Gruen, Jessica Pierce, Cameron Kerr.

Dr. Laurie Gruen

Background

• William Griffin Professor of Philosophy at Wesleyan University.
• Published "The Ethics of Captivity."

Key Points on Ethics and Captivity

• Ethics: Principles guiding right/wrong actions, not mere opinions.

  • Ethics is a centuries-old academic discipline.
  • It involves working through arguments for better relationships with others and the natural world.

• Captivity: Captive beings are denied various goods and have frustrated interests.

  • Captive situations vary but involve confinement and control.
  • Captive beings rely on captors for basic needs, impacting their freedom and ability to flourish.
  • Focus on psychological suffering beyond physical.
  • Introduces the concept of Flourishing: More than well-being, involves personal and species-typical goal setting.

Sanctuary Ethos

• Advocates for turning zoos into sanctuaries.
• Importance of respect and dignity.
  • Respect involves not killing for population control or breaking up social groups unnecessarily.
  • Dignity involves not treating animals as entertainment.

Jessica Pierce

Background

• Bioethicist at the Center for Bioethics and Humanities, University of Colorado.

Focus on Freedom

• Uses Amartya Sen’s concept of freedom as a focal point.

  • Well-being freedom: Capability to achieve valued functionings.
  • Emphasizes meaningful freedom; not theoretical.

• Captivity Effects: Includes behavioral, neurobiological, and psychological impacts.

  • Preference testing shows animals often choose work over free food.

Enhancing Animal Freedom

• Incorporate concepts of choice, control, agency.
• Elderly and Disabled Animals: Special attention to their freedom needs.
  • Managing pain, anxiety, maintaining mobility, and considering death-related behaviors.

Cameron Kerr

Background

• Taronga Conservation Society, Australia.

Ethical Frameworks in Zoos

• Zoos are part of society with integrated fields like conservation and education.
• Ethical frameworks guide decision-making:
  • Utilitarian: Consequences of actions.
  • Universal Principles: Moral rights of individuals.
  • Virtue Ethics: What kind of zoo should we be?

Taronga’s Mission

• Secure a shared future for wildlife and people.
• Incorporates moral awareness and ethical behavior.
• Focus on positive welfare outcomes and biosecurity.
  • Example: Sumatran Tiger conservation efforts.

Community Engagement

• Engage communities, reflect values, and promote conservation education.
• Challenges include balancing ethical considerations with educational and conservation goals.

Discussion Highlights

• Importance of balancing human population growth with animal welfare.
• Impact of zoo visits on human attitudes toward conservation.
• Exploring the role of freedom, agency, and autonomy in animal care.
• Challenges of reconciling individual vs. collective ethics in animals and humans.

Concluding Thoughts

• Continuous exploration of ethical practices in zoos and animal conservation.
• The role of education and cultural shifts in improving animal welfare.