Use of Nonhuman Primates in Entertainment in Southeast Asia

Abstract

The modern zoo has its origins in the royal menageries of ages past, where animals were kept for purposes of exhibition and entertainment for the privileged few (Bennett, 1829). What demarcates modern zoos from the animal menageries? Zoos no longer treat animals as display items solely for public enjoyment. Besides the fundamental objective of providing entertainment to the public, modern zoos also play a part as educators and conservationists (Hutchins & Weise, 1991). Yet zoos face a constant stream of criticism. Debate continues over their role in conservation, keeping large animals such as carnivores, and whether zoos should even exist (Clubb & Mason, 2003; Jamieson, 1986; People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, 2004). An important component of the zoo experience still involves animal shows and photography featuring a whole array of species. As public attitudes toward animal welfare and ethics have changed markedly in many parts of the world in recent decades, charismatic species such as dolphins, elephants, and nonhuman primates have received increasing amounts of scrutiny for their use in entertainment (Kirkwood, 2003). The most contentious ethical issues facing modern zoos are the JOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL WELFARE SCIENCE, 8(2), 141–149 Copyright © 2005, Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc.