What are the Effects of Domestication?
Decades ago, zoo animals had little to do but pace and eat, resulting in a host of physical and behavioral problems, including weight disorders, unpredictable aggression, antisocial behavior, poor parenting skills, and even sterility. Kept in barred cages, wolves, lions, bears and apes became listless and troubled. Today, zoos know better. They create not only interesting habitats and activities for their animals but they also provide them with the natural sounds of their native environments. These additions excite and give purpose. Domestic pets need to feel that way too. Unfortunately, most of them spend their days in home environments that are lonely and lack stimulation. While left alone, their instincts to hunt, explore, play or socialize are rarely engaged. Instead, most pets spend their days eating, sleeping, pacing, or getting into trouble. These “latch key” pets often obsess on food, which is sometimes the only stimulus available to them while their owners are at work. If zool
