Captive animal deaths by year
There are several reasons for captive animal deaths. Zoo animals are typically killed for two reasons: to control the population and manage “surplus animals,” or to maintain genetic strength and diversity within a captive breeding program.[1] Chronic stress can also arise as a result of restricted movement, contact with humans and many other factors. This condition reveals itself through high concentrations of stress hormones in an animal's blood.[2] Chronic stress weakens the immune system, leading to higher disease rates in many animals.[2] Another sign of stress is decline in reproduction, which explains why it’s often difficult to get animals to breed in captivity.[2]
Lists of captive animal deaths by year
See also
References
- ↑ Death at a Zoo Earth Island Journal
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 How Does Captivity Affect Wild Animals? Discover Magazine