Are Zoos Good or Bad?

Our latest question from a Patreon supporter asks if I think zoos are good or bad for animals. Find out my answer right here!

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About Kamp Kenan:
We are Reptile enthusiasts, We know a lot about Lizards, Snakes, Turtles, Tortoises, Crocodiles, Alligators and all sorts of scaly & misunderstood creatures. We also love to learn from other animal experts who are happy to share knowledge. That’s what Kamp Kenan is all about. We love animals and we know you do too. This is why we do what we do. Animal Conservation in the Modern World matters, we're out there living it and doing it every day. This is real life, these stories are real, and our sole purpose is to educate you so that you can learn something new every day and one day perhaps get involved yourself. It's that simple.
Let's create a new generation of educated Animal Enthusiasts and spread the Love!

My Favorite Reptile Gear:

[darrenjulius]

I'm actually a reptile zookeeper I appreciate you helping bring to light how much zoos have evolved and that they help so much with conservation now a days love your videos keep up the good work

[Rileys-Reptiles]

As a keeper at an AZA Accredited Facility, I agree with all of your points. Well said. I’m glad someone with such a large audience and wide range of influence is able to properly address this question in a well thought out and public way. People still have very negative perceptions of zoos as a result of the less than stellar and genuine origins and past. I cannot wait for time to pass and the old perceptions to disappear as zoos become widely accepted as the largest conservation organizations working at preserving the natural world. Thank you for being such a positive voice for both sides of the fence; pro zoo AND pro private sector (when done responsibly of course). I ride that fence daily as a zoo keeper and hobbyist keeper at home. Maybe one day I’ll have the voice that you do to help change things for the better as you do. Thanks again Kenan.

[loneturtle]

Bro you should have Robert Irwin visit ithink that would be lit

[thestruggler]

Kenan I just have to tell you that you have the backyard looking fantastic. All your animals are so well cared for and given the best of housing conditions. Sophia and Leo are two very polite well mannered children, and behave themselves when on camera, and Kate is definitely getting more comfortable around your animals.

[jaidenlm]

I really love how you mentioned that the area in which the wild animals live is getting smaller and smaller and therefor, no real place to re-release animals! I think a lot of people seem to forget that! Great rant Kenan!

[aronoiiel]

You absolutely remind me of Steve Irwin. Im legit in tears because uou really share that love of animals and that push to get people to understand and realize the loss of habitat and that zoos and keepers are doing all they can to fight an almost laoing battle. And they have come such a very long way to help them. People complain about space even in big well wneiched habitats. Some will never be happy.
Thank you for supporting zoos and fellow keepers in such am articulate wonderful way. I hope people start realizing this is all fault and our reaponsibility

[alscritters]

Who else watch "The Zoo" on Animal planet which goes behind the scene of the Bronx Zoo. It's a fascinating show that shows how a modern zoo works and their efforts to conservation.

[deadbettafish]

I hope to someday work at a zoo when I grow up. I'd love to be a part of the conservation effort, and to help educate the public on the importance of conservation. I live in Ohio, so I would like to work at the Columbus Zoo or the Wilds, which is an open-range park that's almost 10, 000 acres that houses endangered species and works on breeding them to keep the species going.

[meadowyck]

Kenan, when the tortoises are walking climbing on the rocks, how much can their plastron take, and do they feel it the same as their carapace?  I find that "Responsible" private breeders are saving the wild....  Thanks again Kenan for all that you do!

[WesleyAPEX]

Rhinos and Elephants would already be extinct if not for Zoos.

[domzjb]

We can make zoos far more naturalistic, a bit larger... Would love if they just made the viewing panels a one side viewing panel and sound proof, we see them but they don't see us nor do they hear us

[cmcmillan]

this has always been my opinion on keeping animals. We should ALWAYS strive to keep them in the best way, technology is always advancing and i personally strive to make it as natural as possible. there are unquestionably bad sides to keeping captive animals, however, we as humans have become increasingly more disconnected with the wild, and i think zoos and the like (even pets) remind people that there is more beyond the city scape worth protecting and saving.

[Salodanger]

If I could live in a place, like your home is, all my depression would be gone! So relaxing to watch your yard and all those super beautiful tortoises! ❤❤

[tinymushroombigforest]

Aw I would have loved to hear the whole question, it sounded like they were really intelligent and pointed out some important factors

[FateandAndrea]

This video actually expanded my view on zoos and I'm a bit more accepting of them now. Thank you for that intelligent discussion

[jacobmumaw]

Holy, I just took a test on zoos and if we should have them or not.I've been watching your channel for a while now, I'm still in high school so I am still learning quite a lot about turtles and tortoises both of my favorite reptiles.so thank you teaching me about these amazing creatures.

[disgruntledherper]

You mentioned volunteering at zoo. The Toledo zoo in Ohio actually has an amazing teen program we're not only they help out with education and conservation inside the zoo, but also help out with community service outside the zoo. Anywhere from take me out invasive plant species to helping out at food drives. They do awesome work!

[typicalfreak]

I live in St.Louis we have one of the best zoo's in the country, always improving and making enclosures better.If you are in the area ever its for sure a must see.I think if zoos have the proper funding and knowledge they are great.

[ViolentNightshade]

Can we talk about the fact he forgot his nieces name ? XD

[Itsmeyourmom]

A great example of positive influence through captivity is the huge strides made in China with the Panda population. Years of observation and dedication to this one animal have allowed it to get off of the Endangered Species list