In Islam, are zoos haraam?

Question

As salamu alaikum, brothers and sisters.

This thought just crossed my mind and I wondered if it is technically haraam to keep animals locked up in cages either at zoos, homes, and wherever else. They are Allah (swt)'s creations, too, are they not? So shouldn't the animals also be treated with respect and not locked up where they have to spend their lives in the same old habitat with people gawking at them?

Yes, I know that the animals in the zoo receive great care. I know they are well fed according to their diet and health. But still, would humans want to be placed in a small territory where they can roam only in that area and not be given the freedom to travel as freely as they wish wherever they want? (Put prisoners/jailmates out of your mind for this q)

I'm not entirely sure about this matter, so that's why I'm asking. Hadiths/Quran verses would be appreciated. Thank you.

Answer 1

There is absolutly nothing haraam about Zoos.  What would be haraam is the ill treatment of animals (something the Prophet (sa) strictly forbade)

In fact, the Holy Qur'an foretold zoos as a sign of the latter days.

[81:6] And when the wild beasts are gathered together,

Zoos are literally wild beasts gathered together.

love for all, hatred for none

Answer 2

noo.

Answer 3

Wassalamu alaikum wr wbr my dear friend. No it is not haram in Islam maintaining  zoos because Allah created animals for humans and the animals at zoos are keeping and feeding well.Humans will  take several benefits from the zoos such as knowledges,excitement etc

I do not read a hadits which prohibites for keeping the zoos.

The cages of each animal is prepared just like in their habitat.Not all animals at the zoo are locked such as certain birds,crocodiles,camels,

etc.Only wild animals which will be dangerous for visitors are locked in the cage.But in my country Indonesia there is an open zoo called Taman Safari which let wild animals to travel freely but the visitors should see in the motor car with closed windows.

Answer 4

h**l, anything is possible.

You guys pray to a meteorite that represents 360 pagan gods and you force people to walk around it..

Sure, Christianity usurper Rome's focus on religion in a similar way buy building the vatican near the collesuem, but we dont pray TO the colleseum or the vatican.

Answer 5

no

Answer 6

No. Animals are a creation of God and we can enjoy them being around at the zoo. It is also much safer for them than being in the wild. They are given large areas and their habitat is made suitable for them. I personally don't believe they are 'locked up' rather being 'taken care of'...

And the animals don't have a sense when we look at them so that shouldn't be a problem =) And also remember .. this is kind of about the debate whether humans have the right to dominate other species on earth.. =0

Answer 7

I wouldn't say so, some zoos double as a habitat to help protect an animal nearing extinction.