The Ethics Behind Captive Breeding

Captive Breeding


Began in the 50’s and 60’s with the intention of saving endangered species

Provided a means for conserving a species that couldn’t survive on its own in the wild.

And originally thought to produce populations that were stable and genetically healthy.

Ethical Dilemma:

Whether captive breeding be for profit or to save an endangered species, is it ethical?

Does it matter if it is for
profit or to save a species?


Do we as humans have the right
to determine what methods are acceptable and how far can we go to reach our goals?

Ethical Approaches

• Deontology
• Teleology
• Utilitarianism
• Universalism
• Rights, Justice, Virtue & Care Ethics

Deontology


“If any acts of animals are analogous to human acts and spring from the same principles, we
have duties towards the animals because thus we cultivate the corresponding duties towards
human beings.” –Immanuel Kant

Deontology Continued...


-The golden rule

-Suci and her little bro


-“Act only according to that maxim whereby you can, at the same time, will that it should
become a universal law .”

Teleology

• Consequences determine whether or not an act is good or evil.
• Can be based on self-interest (egoism)
• Or based on obligatory duties (altruism)
• Zoos: educate the public, rehabilitate wildlife and take in exotic pets that individuals no longer care for

Utilitarianism

Universalism

• Captive breeding does not treat all beings with respect
• Deep ecology movement says all species are created equal
• Would we/should we breed all species in captivity for profit?
• SeaWorld Orca Breeding Program

Rights Ethics

• Individual entitlement, extended to animals
• Cetaceans are exploited primarily for monetary gain
• “The business of business is business”
• Raising/breeding animals for gain violates their inherent interest, liberty
• Animals maintain certain capacities giving them “inherent value”

Justice Ethics

• Opportunities, burdens and benefits should be fairly and equally distributed among all
• Deep ecology: nature does not exist to serve humans
• All species have a right to exist for their own sake and have inherent value
• Captivity deprives animals of the same opportunities and benefits as humans
• Retributive justice

Virtue Ethics

Care Ethics

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