Podcast Summary: The Economics of Everyday Things – Episode 68: Zoo Animals

Released on October 28, 2024 | Host: Zachary Crockett | Produced by Freakonomics Network

Introduction

In Episode 68 of The Economics of Everyday Things, journalist Zachary Crockett delves into the intricate world of zoo animals, exploring the economic, ethical, and conservation-related aspects of maintaining zoological collections. Hosted by the Freakonomics Network and featuring insights from zoo professionals like Holly Cullahan, Deputy Director of the Birmingham Zoo, and Dwight Lawson, Executive Director and CEO of the Oklahoma City Zoo, the episode provides a comprehensive look into how modern zoos operate, acquire animals, and contribute to conservation efforts.

The Evolution of Zoos

Historical Perspective

Crockett traces the origins of zoos from ancient aristocratic menageries to modern accredited institutions. Initially established in the Middle Ages to showcase wealth and power, zoos transformed in the 18th century Europe to focus on scientific understanding of animal species. By the early 1900s, zoos had become popular attractions in American cities, competing to acquire the most exotic and rare animals.

"Humans have kept wild animals in captivity for thousands of years. In the Middle Ages, aristocrats showed off their wealth and power by maintaining menageries, private collections of exotic creatures."
– Zachary Crockett [03:29]

Acquisition of Zoo Animals

From Wild Capture to Cooperative Exchanges

In the past, zoos primarily sourced animals by capturing them from the wild, often through exploitative and unsustainable practices. Explorers and poachers were incentivized by significant financial rewards to supply zoos with exotic species.

"Karl Hagenbeck set up a global trade that supplied animals to zoos all over Europe and America. He would charge based on the size and difficulty of a capture."
– Zachary Crockett [03:37]

However, the passage of the Endangered Species Act in 1973 marked a pivotal shift, restricting the importation of endangered species and pushing zoos towards breeding programs and cooperative exchanges within accredited institutions.

"The big shift in this country really happened in 1973 with the passage of the Endangered Species Act, which then put a lot of restrictions on the importation of endangered species."
– Zoo Expert (Holly Cullahan) [04:48]

Today's accredited zoos, governed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), prioritize genetic diversity and species conservation over mere acquisition of rare animals. They collaborate through the AZA's animal population management committees to coordinate the exchange of animals internally rather than relying on wild captures.

"They’re not doing a big tit for tat. You give me penguins today and I'll give you a lion tomorrow."
– Holly Cullahan [07:17]

Conservation Efforts

Breeding and Reintroduction Programs

Modern zoos play a crucial role in conservation, specializing in breeding threatened and endangered species with the goal of reintroducing them into the wild. The AZA-accredited institutions allocate substantial resources towards these efforts, contributing to the recovery of species like the California condors, American red wolves, and black-footed ferrets.

"AZA accredited zoos have helped save many species, including California condors, American red wolves, and black-footed ferrets."
– Zachary Crockett [19:13]

The Oklahoma City Zoo exemplifies this commitment, investing in expansive habitats and specialized care to support conservation objectives. The zoo's strategic planning, supported by grant funding and community donations, underscores the economic challenges and responsibilities inherent in these initiatives.

Economic Considerations of Zoo Operations

Funding and Revenue Streams

Operating a modern zoo requires substantial financial investment. Funding sources include municipal trust funds, grants, donations, ticket sales, and concessions. The Oklahoma City Zoo, for instance, utilizes a combination of city sales tax revenue and private donations to finance its operations.

"The Oklahoma City Zoo... is funded by grants, donations, and a small cut of city sales tax revenue. And like most other zoos, it also makes money through ticket sales and concessions."
– Holly Cullahan [15:25]

Cost of Animal Care and Facilities

Building and maintaining habitats for hundreds of exotic animals is cost-intensive. Recent expansions at the Oklahoma City Zoo highlight the financial magnitude, with specific habitats costing anywhere from $700,000 for a Galapagos tortoise enclosure to $30 million for a sea lion cove with an underwater observation window.

"A habitat for Galapagos tortoises ran $700,000. An enclosure for cheetahs and African wild dogs $1.9 million... a planned sea lion cove... is going to set the zoo back around $30 million."
– Zachary Crockett [16:00]

Ongoing operational costs include specialized staff salaries, daily feeding expenses, and veterinary care. For example, maintaining a single elephant can cost approximately $85,000 annually, reflecting the significant financial demands of large species.

"The average cost per Elephant was about $85,000 a year."
– Holly Cullahan [17:27]

Logistics of Animal Transportation

Specialized Transport Processes

Transporting animals, especially large or endangered species, requires meticulous planning and specialized resources. Dwight Lawson notes that the field of zoo animal transport is highly niche, often involving specialized crates, trained handlers, and significant logistical coordination.

"The field of zoo animal transport is very niche."
– Zachary Crockett [09:33]

For instance, moving an Indian rhinoceros from New York to Oklahoma costs nearly $14,000, underscoring the high financial barriers to inter-zoo animal transfers.

"It was almost $14,000 to move a rhino from New York to Oklahoma."
– Holly Cullahan [10:08]

International transfers, such as acquiring meerkats from Europe or pandas from China, involve additional complexities, including federal permits and diplomatic negotiations.

"Getting the animal is one thing. Taking care of it is quite another."
– Holly Cullahan [12:16]

Ethical Considerations and Animal Welfare

Behavioral Health of Captive Animals

Despite advancements in zoo design and animal care, concerns about the psychological well-being of captive animals persist. Compulsive behaviors and mental health issues have been observed, leading some zoos to administer medications to mitigate stress-related symptoms.

"Researchers have noticed that zoo animals often exhibit compulsive behaviors like rocking back and forth, pulling out their hair, biting themselves, and eating their own feces."
– Zachary Crockett [18:01]

Efforts to improve animal welfare include enhancing habitat designs to better mimic natural environments and providing enrichment activities to stimulate natural behaviors.

"There’s probably been less variance in zoos as everyone comes to the realization that you can’t manage everything in human care... focusing on fewer [species] with quality rather than just more."
– Holly Cullahan [18:44]

The Dual Role of Zoos: Education and Conservation

Educational Impact

Zoos serve as accessible venues for the public to engage with wildlife, fostering an appreciation that can translate into broader conservation support. Holly Cullahan emphasizes the transformative educational experiences provided by zoos, which can inspire visitors to participate in conservation efforts.

"Zoos provide this safe, accessible place to make connections with wildlife that then down the road maybe inspires somebody to get a little more engaged in wanting to help save those animals in the wild."
– Holly Cullahan [20:34]

Scientific Contributions

Accredited zoos contribute valuable scientific data through close monitoring and voluntary participation of animals in research activities. This data is instrumental for conservation biology, veterinary science, and behavioral studies.

"We have a unique opportunity to provide sometimes information that scientists can’t get in the wild because we have such close, easy access to our animals."
– Holly Cullahan [19:13]

Conclusion

Episode 68 of The Economics of Everyday Things provides a multifaceted exploration of zoos, highlighting their evolution from status symbols to centers of conservation and education. Through interviews with key zoo professionals, Zachary Crockett elucidates the complex economics behind zoo operations, the ethical imperatives of animal welfare, and the indispensable role zoos play in conserving endangered species. The episode underscores that while zoos face significant financial and ethical challenges, their contributions to science, conservation, and public education render them vital institutions in today's society.

Notable Quotes

• "We have to put the greater good ahead of what our institutional needs might be."
  – Holly Cullahan [07:32]

• "Callahan and her colleagues at the AZA also have to keep a close eye on genetics."
  – Zachary Crockett [08:04]

• "A lot of people aren't going to get the opportunity to go to Africa to see animals in the wild. Zoos provide this safe, accessible place to make connections with wildlife."
  – Zoo Expert (Holly Cullahan) [20:34]

This detailed summary encapsulates the key themes and discussions from Episode 68, offering listeners a thorough understanding of the economic and ethical dimensions of zoo management and conservation efforts.