Quality of life and length of lifespan should be considered for zoo animals.
The idea that animals in captivity always live longer than animals in the wild was debunked in a study conducted by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The group followed elephants in European zoos and found they had significantly shorter lifespans than their counterparts in the wild. However, many other species of animals do live longer in captivity.
Lifespan Statistics
The biggest problem in determining where animals live longer is that many of the statistics we have on animal lifespans come from captive animals. Without a thorough study of the lifespans of different species of animals in the wild, it is not clear whether some species live longer in the wild or in captivity.
Stress
The study of elephants in European zoos determined stress and improper handling leading stressful situations were the main causes of shortened lifespans. Visitors to zoos can cause animals to become stressed, especially during busy times and by creating loud noises like banging on enclosures. Baby animals are particularly vulnerable, as stress can cause their fur to change colors and lead to anorexia and death.
Accidental Death
Accidents that animals would not be subjected to in the wild can lead to death for captive animals. At the Tulsa Zoo and Living Museum, improper handling led to a broken neck and subsequent death of one giraffe, while hypothermia caused by inhospitable weather conditions caused the death of another giraffe. The same zoo saw other animal deaths occurring as results of an extended power outage, poisoning and escapes from enclosures.
Lack of Dangers Faced in the Wild
Despite stress and accidental causes of death, the majority of animals kept in captivity live longer than their counterparts in the wild. A large reason for this is that, in captivity, they are not in danger of being attacked and killed by predators. Thanks to on-site veterinary care, many captive animals also do not face the dangers of infant mortality and diseases that often kill animals in the wild. Ready access to food and shelter for captive animals also leads to an extended lifespan.
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