Are zoos an anachronism in the 21st century?

Many of us have fond memories of going to the zoo as children, but zoo critics are vocal in their condemnation of keeping animals in captivity, believing there can be no such thing as a good zoo. Are the goals of entertainment, conservation, education and research more often in conflict than harmony? And are they ultimately irreconcilable with concern for animal welfare?

In this episode, George Miller talks to Heather Browning and Walter Veit, co-authors of 'What are Zoos For?' about the ethics of captivity, the challenges of balancing animal welfare with the need for public engagement, and the potential for zoos to drive meaningful conservation efforts. We also get to hear about Walter’s recent memorable encounter with Frank the feisty king penguin.

Heather Browning is a Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Southampton, working on philosophical questions in animal welfare, sentience, and ethics. She previously worked as a zookeeper and zoo animal welfare officer in Australia and New Zealand. Walter Veit is a Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Reading. His primary research interests lie in the intersection of the biological, social, and mind sciences and empirically informed philosophy and ethics.

Find out more about the book at: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/trade/what-are-zoos-for

The full transcript of the podcast is available here: https://www.transformingsociety.co.uk/2024/12/10/podcast-are-zoos-an-anachronism-in-the-21st-century/

Timestamps:

1:30 - Are you the kind of people who seek out the zoo when you visit a new city?

2:33 - How did you come into this field?

4:01 - What was the particular appeal to ask and answer this question of the purpose of zoos?

8:02 - How do you deal with the historical dimension of zoos?

13:03 - Do you have examples of people having moving moments being in close proximity to wild animals?

18:07 - What makes it so difficult to judge whether conservation is as compelling an argument as zoos maintain?

23:54 - How easy is it to establish what constitutes good welfare?

28:03 - Can you pick out a zoo encounter that really sticks in your memory?

Intro music:

Cold by yoitrax | @yoitrax

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