More than 400 animals die in zoos every year and hundreds more are abused in American zoos alone. These animals are physically harmed, constantly stressed out, continually malnourished, and overall mistreated. Animal's needs are not fulfilled in zoos. There is a lack of space, stress causing artificial light, food that does not meet the animal's nutritious needs, a lack of companions for the animals and so many more cruel practices. Many animals are violently abused by the employees, many times resulting in death. This causes an increase in depression levels of the animals and shortens their lifespans significantly.