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G1: Life Links: Animals in a human environment

Animals in Captivity

What should we consider before releasing animals back into the wild?

Source: http://www.wildsingapore.com/places/release.htm

Many pet shop animals cannot survive in the wild. They no longer have the ability and instinct to find food and shelter, or to run away from predators.

Many animals can only survive in special habitats, such as the rainforest, desert or mangrove swamp. Releasing an animal into the wrong habitats will cause it to suffer and then die.

If we release a foreign animal, it may not survive in our country and climate. For example, a land tortoise from India can only survive well in a seasonal climate.

If we release an animal from a foreign country, it may compete with our local wild animals for food, shelter, nesting areas and living space. These foreign animals may also eat the babies of local animals.

Can we tell if an animal is sick or healthy? If a sick animal is released, it may infect wild animals which have no immunity against certain diseases.

Infect animals may transmit diseases to humans.

When everyone releases animals, the combined quantity will upset the natural balance. The areas of release will not be able to cope with the sudden increase of animals.

Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery

Source: http://www.astridone.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/P5-4.jpg

Source: http://www.astridone.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/P5-4.jpg

Caged Birds

Source: http://www.wingedhearts.org/files/imgs/1/cockatoo-img-ssh_0940.jpg

A Case for Captivity?

The Northern White Rhino is very close to disappearing from the wild, with only four animals remaining.

In the wild, Rhino are hunted and poached. Their habitat is threatened by agriculture and human settlement.

Is it safer for the Northern White Rhino to be in captivity than it is for them to be in the wild?

MacRitchie Reservoir

Source: https://katiekaboom8.wordpress.com/2013/04/01/exploring-the-great-outdoors-of-singapore/

Source: https://katiekaboom8.wordpress.com/2013/04/01/exploring-the-great-outdoors-of-singapore/

Think and discuss

  • Most pet cockatoos spend their lives - which is usually 50-70 years in a cage.
  • The wire mesh and metal (or concrete) floor causes permament damage to the birds feathers and claws.
  • Cockatoos are intelligent, friendly and communicative birds. Not only can they be taught to talk to humans, but in their own groups they stay in constant communication with each other.  
  • Cockatoos are flock birds, they fly high and have large territories spanning 30-40 kms 
  • A bird in full flight gets to exercise all its muscles.
  • Should birds be kept in cages?

White Rhino in Captivity

Source: http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/04/14/16/278F71D300000578-0-image-a-47_1429025249657.jpg

Source: http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2015/04/14/16/278F71D300000578-0-image-a-47_1429025249657.jpg

Think and discuss

  • Turtles are wild animals.  
  • They have territories that can be many miles wide. 
  • Turtles can live 25 years or more.
  • Turtles are carnivores that must eat live food like snails, fish and worms.
  • Turtles can carry diseases that are harmful to humans
  • Is keeping them in captivity fair?

 

Flying Free

Source: http://www.wingedhearts.org/files/imgs/1/Wild-Cocky-Squadron-01-w500-ssh.jpg

Wild Rhino

Source: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/3a/f8/2e/3af82eee3c048d8c21d5bd6af121fb38.jpg

Source: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/3a/f8/2e/3af82eee3c048d8c21d5bd6af121fb38.jpg