Should Christians support zoos and aquariums?
Introduction
Zoos and aquariums are complex institutions. They offer educational opportunities, promote biodiversity, and lead crucial conservation efforts. However, they restrict the freedom of wild animals, often keeping them in conditions far removed from their natural habitats. For the Christian, the question is whether the benefits of these institutions outweigh the ethical concerns of confinement and control over God's creatures.
The ethical evaluation must be rooted in the biblical concept of stewardship—how we are called to manage the world God has entrusted to us.
Main: Two Sides of the Stewardship Coin
Christian support should be directed toward institutions that maximize the biblical duties of education and preservation while minimizing the ethical offense of unnecessary confinement.
1. Arguments for Support: Education and Conservation
Supporting high-quality zoos and aquariums aligns with the stewardship mandate by furthering knowledge and preservation.
Educational Mandate: Seeing animals in person inspires awe and wonder at the diversity and complexity of God's creation, fulfilling a vital educational role for the public, especially children. This encourages a greater appreciation for the Creator and His design.
Conservation and Research: Many reputable zoos and aquariums are leaders in species recovery programs for endangered animals. They fund essential field research, breed endangered species for reintroduction into the wild, and serve as genetic banks to prevent extinction. In a world facing mass extinction, this work is a crucial act of preservation and stewardship (Genesis 2:15).
Rescue and Rehabilitation: These institutions often act as the primary resource for rescuing sick, injured, or illegally traded animals, providing veterinary care and, when possible, rehabilitation back into the wild.
2. Ethical Concerns and Conditions for Support
Support must be conditional, demanding that the institutions meet high standards of ethical care.
The Sin of Cruelty: The Bible condemns cruelty and emphasizes humane treatment of animals (Proverbs 12:10). Confinement becomes unethical if it causes animals unnecessary stress, psychological damage (stereotypic behavior), or physical suffering due to insufficient space, improper habitat, or lack of enrichment.
Confinement for Mere Entertainment: The purpose of the institution matters. If an establishment exists merely for profit or frivolous entertainment without a strong commitment to conservation, education, and excellent animal welfare standards, it risks violating the spirit of stewardship by treating animals as objects rather than living creatures deserving of respect.
Prioritizing Welfare Over Display: Christians should support institutions that meet or exceed accreditation standards (like those of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, AZA) which mandate large, complex, and enriching habitats that promote the physical and behavioral health of the animals.
Conclusion
Should Christians support zoos and aquariums? Yes, but only those that demonstrate a clear, verifiable commitment to ethical stewardship, conservation, and the highest standards of animal welfare.
The ethical decision is one of discernment: Support the institutions that are genuinely using their resources to preserve, protect, and educate the public about God's glorious creation. Reject institutions driven by profit and poor animal care.
