Do zoo animals live longer than wild animals?

It can be both! It depends on the animal, some animals like the Black footed ferret, lives longer in captivity. While others like the Whale, lives longer in the wild. So it's yes, and no, depending on the species, the zoo's quality of care, environment and if the animal was born in the zoo. All of these factors, along with many more will effect the life span of an animal.

I think that animals in captivity live longer than their wild counter parts, because they are fed everything they need, and if they get a disease, the zookeepers can help them. Unlike in the wild they wouldn't even know and certainly wouldn't have any help. (but the ideas expressed above also have some valid points)

Another Thought: While zoos are not the absolute perfect solution, they have become, more often than not, the best, or only solution available, especially when wildlife habitats are being encroached upon or destroyed at unbelievable rates. Some species do seem to live longer, but that seems to be an added bonus for a necessity right now. When it all comes down to it, mankind needs to take responsibility for it's own population, and halt the growth rate explosion that is pushing the animals out of the habitats they belong in. Zoos are but one way we can atone for deforestation and destruction of the lands, and seas.

Amendment: The fact that zoos have changed from square, tile lined display cells to the crafted environments we have of today is because a lion tamer decided that the animals in his care deserved more. Because of his efforts to effect changes, along with the fact that some animals were falling toward extinction at alarming paces, zoos around the world went to great lengths to make changes. Recreating their mission statements, and goals from being isolated entertainment only facilities, to highly advanced institutions employing veterinarians, nutritionists, behaviorist, trainers, and animal psychologists, etc. In the old days, if an animal sickened and died, the zoos hired a hunter to capture a wild replacement. Not so anymore. Zoos around the world now participate and work together to learn everything they can about the animals and how to preserve, breed, and care for them. This is a complete and utter departure from the way things were before and now large percentages of the animals represented in zoos are born and bred in captivity. And in some cases, rare species exist only in zoos, due to the fact that they have become extinct in the wild.

Additional Information: Animals in captivity generally live much longer lives because of better food, better living conditions, lack of predators, access to veterinary care, etc. For example, a squirrel living in the wild has a life expectancy of 2 to 3 years. Whereas in captivity, a squirrel can live up to 12 years. I can say this since I cared for a squirrel named Dizzy who lived that long. Efforts are always underway at zoos all over the world to increase the quality of the environments zoo animals live in, both in physical quality and psychological quality. There are new programs designed for the emotional well being of the animals specifically, some working with an animals natural curiosity, natural hunting instincts, and even problem solving skills. They strive to keep the animals interested and excited about the next adventure. Not all Zoos are practicing these "enrichment techniques" but many are and have found it to be quite successful. There is no question that it is a difficult challenge with some animals, but it is important to learn how to overcome these challenges and work to understand, and provide the basic needs of all the creatures we undertake the care of.

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