Captivity for Conservation: Ethical Issues and Critical Analysis

This essay critically analyzes the ethical considerations surrounding the practice of keeping animals in captivity for conservation purposes, drawing heavily on Jozef Keulartz's research and other scholarly sources. It explores the debate between environmental ethics and animal ethics, examining the arguments of wildlife conservationists, animal protectionists, and utilitarian thinkers such as Singer. The essay delves into the practical implications of captivity, including the limitations of zoos, the challenges of breeding programs, and the impact of habitat loss and climate change. It highlights the importance of education, awareness, and financial support for in-situ conservation efforts, while also addressing the need for training and research to improve species management and address population dynamics. The essay concludes by emphasizing the need to balance human interests with the welfare of wildlife and the preservation of natural habitats.