While zoos can help conserve certain endangered species, they are still profit-making enterprises that too often put their own commercial self-interest ahead of animal welfare. A prime example of this is elephants held in captivity and put on exhibit in zoos. Zoos simply cannot provide the vast acreage necessary to accommodate elephants' complex physical, psychological and social needs.

Shingle Shield is EPA approved and should be used as directed in a manner consistent with the provided instructions, and as such is considered safe. Zinc is an essential element of the human body. It can be found in vitamins, and as an additive in breakfast cereals. See similar questions...

To gain true and complete knowledge of wild animals, one must observe them in their natural habitats. The conditions under which animals are kept in zoos typically distorts their behavior significantly. There are several practical alternatives to zoos for educational purposes. There are many nature documentaries shown regularly on television as well as available on video cassettes. See similar questions...

The lions, tigers, elephants, monkeys and other animals used in circuses do not naturally perform for the entertainment of people, so they are forced against their will. Numerous expos?s and the testimony of many former circus employees confirm that trainers routinely use violence, brutality and intimidation to get animals to perform demeaning acts that are common in circuses. See similar questions...

No. The safety of a two-year-old child is the criterion applied by national testing laboratories, such as UL and CSA, to certify the safety of an electric fence energizer. The electric pulse put out by an energizer is so short (about 3/10,000 of a second) it hurts but it cannot injure. Once shocked, neither you nor any animal wants to touch the electric fence again. See similar questions...

Sacramento Bee ** The Sydney Morning Herald ** Philosophers' Web Magazine ** Interview with Perry DeAngelis of NEJK ** Jan-Ove Sundberg ** Interview with Richard Cadena of Australia's the Skeptic magazine ** Interview with Greg Tingle (MM) ** Interview with Nemo Nox (burburinho) ** Radio Interview with Jack and Ali: Spin 103.8 Dublin (Oct. 7, 2003) (mp3) ** Radio Interview with Elizabeth Sherwin KDVS (Dec. See similar questions...

Merino sheep are used to make wool because they have wrinkled skin that produces more wool per animal (because they have more skin area than sheep with smooth skin). These animals have been selectively bred to produce skin with the most wrinkles possible to maximize wool production. Unfortunately for the sheep, their urine and feces collect in the folds of their skin, where blowflies lay their eggs. See similar questions...

Picloram, triclopyr, clopyralid, fluroxypyr and tebuthiuron, the active ingredients in Tordon? 22K, Grazon? P+D, Remedy?, Reclaim?, Spike? 20P, Redeem? R&P, Surmount???, PastureGard??? disrupt the growth process within the plant by affecting enzymes unique to plants. Research has shown that when these active ingredients are applied in accordance with their label directions, they do not have a similar effect on animals or insects. See similar questions...

Earth Organization members do not support the conditions under which many zoos keep animals; we support the closure of improper facilities, with little or no educational benefit, where caged animals are abused or simply “gawked” at. See similar questions...

If you suffer from epilepsy, or experience psychotic episodes, then hypnosis is not advised other than under the supervision of a medical doctor or psychiatrist. Hypnosis is as safe as falling asleep. Hypnosis is deep relaxation with suggestion and guidance from the hypnotherapist as to where your subconscious mind needs to focus. There is nothing harmful in relaxation, and words are just words. See similar questions...

The leather industry generates a significant profit for those who raise and slaughter animals for food. In fact, without the revenue from leather, prices for meat and dairy would skyrocket. Much leather is derived primarily from dairy cows who no longer produce significant amounts of milk and veal cows slated for slaughter. These animals spend their entire lives in cruel confinement before being crammed into train cars bound for the slaughterhouse. See similar questions...

To date, there have been no known cases of H5N1 anywhere in North America. At the AZA-accredited institutions with birds, animal care experts already have a regular routine to carefully monitor the health of their birds, as well as the other animals. Experts at AZA zoos and aquariums know these animals better than anyone else, and are attuned to the slightest behavior change that may indicate that an animal is ill. See similar questions...

There is little chance of visitors contracting avian flu from an affected zoo or aquarium animal because in most cases, visitors are separated from the birds by windows or by a safe distance. This prevents visitors from coming into direct contact with the birds or their bodily discharge (feces, saliva, and nasal discharges). See similar questions...

Animal care is the first priority at AZA-accredited institutions. The guidelines recommended by AZA are designed to protect the health of animals, staff, and visitors. In developing the guidelines, we have evaluated all the options and selected the best courses of action based on the tactics that most effectively address the different contingencies. Individual members must make the best decision on what measures are most effective for their own zoo or aquarium. See similar questions...

Microscopically small asbestos fibers can be inhaled deep into the lungs and lodge there. After many years, lung cancer or mesothelioma (cancer of the mesothelium) may develop. If you inhale large quantities of asbestos over several years, you could develop asbestosis which progressively makes breathing more difficult, or develop pleural plaques which make it difficult to evaluate lung x-rays. See similar questions...