Animal rights refer to a set of ethical principles and legal regulations aimed at protecting animals and ensuring their welfare against harm, exploitation, and mistreatment. These rights are rooted in the belief in the intrinsic value of animals and the necessity of ethical and humane interaction with them.

On an international level, these rights include aspects such as the right to life, freedom from torture, access to a natural environment, species conservation, and the prohibition of harmful testing on animals. One of the key international documents in this regard is the Universal Declaration of Animal Rights, adopted by UNESCO in 1978. This declaration establishes fundamental principles for animal protection and emphasizes respect for animals as sentient beings with basic rights. Additionally, various conventions on animal protection, drafted by organizations such as the United Nations and the European Union, obligate countries to adhere to standards in areas such as transportation, breeding, and the use of animals for research and entertainment.

In the legal framework, animal rights regulations vary from one country to another. Some nations have comprehensive laws addressing animal welfare, prohibiting torture and unnecessary killing, and overseeing the use of animals in industries like food, research, and entertainment. However, many countries—including Iran—still face significant legal and enforcement gaps in this area, requiring the development of more comprehensive and practical legislation to fully protect animal rights.

The situation of animals in captivity, especially in zoos in countries like Iran, which lack specific regulations in this field, has consistently raised ethical and legal concerns. The mortality of animals in these facilities, often due to inadequate conditions and neglect of their basic needs, highlights the violation of their rights.

A zoo is a place where animals are held in captivity. In Iran, the condition of zoos has been subject to increasing criticism in recent years. Numerous reports have documented the deaths of animals in zoos due to poor living conditions, illness, inadequate nutrition, and the lack of sufficient space for movement.

Many zoos lack proper facilities for medical and psychological care. Animals are often confined to small cages unsuitable for their physical needs. This can lead to depression, stress, and various diseases. Additionally, many zoos fail to provide proper nutrition, jeopardizing the animals’ health. The absence of adequate medical facilities for treating illnesses or injuries can lead to preventable deaths.

The environments where animals are kept are often unhygienic, which is a major cause of disease outbreaks and mortality. In many cases, zoo conditions not only violate animal rights but also result in significant harm and suffering.

Animal rights include the right to life, welfare, proper medical care, and freedom from torture and abuse. Many zoos violate these rights by keeping animals in unethical and unnatural conditions.

The lack of proper oversight and strict regulations in Iran has allowed many zoos to confine animals in oppressive and unethical conditions instead of providing appropriate environments. For instance, animals are sometimes kept temporarily or permanently in small cages without enough space for movement, which not only affects their physical health but also impacts their mental and behavioral well-being.

Animal mortality in zoos, in addition to its detrimental effects on endangered species populations, signals a lack of health, welfare, and ethical standards in these facilities. Addressing these deaths and improving living conditions for animals is essential to transform zoos into centers of education and support rather than places where animals are displayed in harsh and unsuitable conditions.

In conclusion, tackling the poor conditions of animals in zoos and reducing mortality in these facilities requires serious reforms in animal rights laws and regulations. Independent and periodic monitoring of zoos should be implemented to ensure compliance with health, medical, and welfare standards. National laws on animal rights must also be strengthened, with harsher penalties for violations. Additionally, public awareness and education about animal rights and proper zoo management can contribute to improving conditions. Measures should also be taken to support wildlife sanctuaries as alternatives to zoos, providing more natural environments for animals.