ijsi International Journal of Social Inquiry 1307-8364 1307-9999 Bursa Uludağ University 10.37093/ijsi.1492943 Philosophy of Culture Urbanization Policies Urban Policy Urban Sociology and Community Studies Kültür Felsefesi Kentleşme Politikaları Kentsel Politika Kent Sosyolojisi ve Toplum Çalışmaları Hayvanat Bahçelerinin Etik Durumu Üzerine Bir Tartışma: Onlara Gerçekten İhtiyacımız Var Mı? A Discussion on Ethical Status of Zoos: Do We Really Need Them? https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2752-407X Zeybek Osman Bursa Uludağ Üniversitesi Ziraat Fakültesi Peyzaj Mimarlığı Bölümü 08 31 2025 18 2 438 451 05 30 2024 02 26 2025 Copyright © 2008, International Journal of Social Inquiry 2008 International Journal of Social Inquiry

Bu çalışma, hayvanat bahçelerinin rolünü değerlendirmek için kapsamlı bir etik çerçeve geliştirmeyi amaçlamakta ve hem destekleyici hem de karşıt görüşleri eleştirel bir şekilde incelemektedir. Savunucular, hayvanat bahçelerinin kontrollü üreme programları aracılığıyla türlerin korunmasında kritik bir rol oynadığını ve aynı zamanda vahşi yaşamın korunmasına dair kamu farkındalığını artıran değerli eğitimsel ve bilimsel fırsatlar sunduğunu savunmaktadır. Öte yandan eleştirmenler, hayvan refahı, esaret altında tutma ve kapatılmanın psikolojik etkileri gibi etik endişeleri gündeme getirmektedir. Bu argümanların önemini kabul eden çalışma, geleneksel hayvanat bahçelerine alternatif modelleri inceleyerek, hayvan refahını ön planda tutarken aynı zamanda koruma hedeflerini yerine getiren yenilikçi yaklaşımları savunmaktadır. Ayrıca, etik hayvanat bahçesi uygulamalarını şekillendirmek için hükümet müdahalesinin önemini vurgulamakta ve güçlü yasal çerçevelerin geliştirilmesi gerektiğini ortaya koymaktadır. Hayvan haklarına ilişkin bakış açıları gelişmeye devam ettikçe, son yasal düzenlemeler hayvanları yalnızca bir mülk olarak değil, duyarlı varlıklar olarak giderek daha fazla tanımakta ve bu durum çağdaş etik ve hukuki standartlarla uyum sağlamaktadır.

This study aims to develop a comprehensive ethical framework for evaluating the role of zoos, critically examining both supporting and opposing viewpoints. Proponents argue that zoos play a crucial role in species conservation through managed breeding programs, while also providing valuable educational and scientific opportunities that enhance public awareness of wildlife conservation. Conversely, critics raise ethical concerns regarding animal welfare, captivity, and the psychological effects of confinement. Recognizing the significance of these arguments, this study explores alternative models to traditional zoos, advocating for innovative approaches that prioritize animal well-being while fulfilling conservation goals. Additionally, the research underscores the importance of governmental intervention in shaping ethical zoological practices through robust legal frameworks. As perspectives on animal rights continue to evolve, recent legal developments increasingly recognize animals as sentient beings rather than mere property, aligning with contemporary ethical and legal standards.

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