Imagine hundreds of people watching your every move and wanting you to get up and do something entertaining. The constant noise of screaming, crying, chattering. Wanting to just hide from it all but there is no place to go. You’re stuck behind the glass. Being a caged animal means your life is limited. Would you want to live like that?

My love for animals is something I’ve had since birth. They remind me of the simplest joys in life. All of my worries are far behind me when I am with animals. One of my favorite places to visit when I was younger was the zoo. Walking by the glass, waiting for something to happen. Sometimes I would see the snakes slither or the monkeys swing, but most of the time, the animals were asleep or trying to flee from the crowd. We spectators were disturbing their peace.

I recently visited the Buffalo Zoo for the first time in about a decade. The only thing I remember about the animals was the little to no life behind their eyes. Obviously when I was younger, I didn’t notice the cruelty. I was just praying that they would do something entertaining like run around or come up to the glass. Now, I am wondering how long these animals have felt this longing dread and despair.

The National Geographic Museum will be opening a new exhibit in the summer of 2026. National Geographic has an immersive site that contains this upcoming experience that was published in 2026. “Photo Ark: Animals of Earth,” This walkthrough experience allows spectators to interact and be a part of the animal’s world like no other; it involves photography from Joel Sartore and immersive projections. As Sartore noted on the site, “The exhibition reveals the unique beauty of each animal, showcasing their personalities, vulnerability and wonder.” Sartore made the decision to create an intimate picture of an animal and then use a black or white background behind the photo. This way, there is nothing else gravitating the eye away from the animal. The most crucial aspect to take from the singular image is the need to protect these animals at all costs.

I am a fervent believer that zoos and aquariums are hurting animals by not being able to have them adapt properly. The animals should feel safe and comfortable rather than somewhere people look at them for entertainment purposes. Wildlife is for natural behavior and rehabilitation where they can learn to hunt, mate, explore, and evolve. It’s absolutely incredible to see animals up close and personal but beyond that it’s not entirely safe.

Years ago commercials of Canada’s Marineland constantly aired, showing the joyful Beluga whales up close. It seemed like such a loving safe space for the animals to play. Krishen Persad wrote a CBC article in Jan. 2026 about Marineland’s multiple Beluga whales and dolphins left stranded when the park abruptly closed to the public in 2024: “What’s Happening to the 30 Beluga Whales and 4 Dolphins at Marineland?” The animals were to be euthanized if there was no solid plan moving forward. However, the Canadian government signed off, allowing the mammals to move to various facilities in the U.S. The animals will have much better living conditions than before and it may seem like this is the healthiest option for these animals to live. While the best choice would be to let them live in the ocean; however, since they have been caged all their life, there is no possible way that they would survive by themselves. So, the animals’ monitoring will continue for the rest of their lives.

Furthermore, if the whales are separated from their families, it can cause stress and depression. Animals share the same types of feelings humans do. Keeping them engaged and connected will fulfill their life. If that statement isn’t promised then, what’s the purpose? My biggest hope in this horrific situation is that the animals are healthy after leaving Marineland. They will not be used for entertainment purposes anymore but they will never know what freedom truly is.

My heart breaks for the animals that go through struggles every day. It’s urgent to donate to organizations and participate in programs that will protect animals and give them a safer; healthier future. Please communicate with others and share the message. Donations can be accepted at the World Wildlife Fund’s Protect Wildlife project: WWF is an independent organization to protect nature and biodiversity. With your support, we can see changes like pushing for laws to make stronger animal protection legislation; speaking to lawmakers and groups that fight for animal rights makes a big difference. I and many others want to see a sustainable future for animal rights. About 1.7 billion animals overall have been helped and cared for through the American Humane Society and about 500,000 animals have been protected at zoos and aquariums. Their website shows how they provide independent science-based research to make sure the animals’care standards are being met and they can monitor the animals cortisol levels, behavioral practice and more. Furthermore, an independent third party is what the association also wants to see in every zoo and aquarium, to conduct inspections then decide if the standards are actually being met for the animals.

Zoos and aquariums provide fantastic educational purposes. That being said, photos and knowledge still do the education justice instead of bringing the animal into the horrible, captive environment. I would much rather see the animals’ quality of life become strong and healthy rather than used for selfish human entertainment. So, the question still stands: what do you think is best for the animals lives and can you help them?

Nichole Iacuzzo is a junior at the State University of New York at Fredonia.