$~~~~$A zoo is a place where animals in captivity are put on display for humans to see. While early zoos put emphasis on displaying as many unusual creatures as possible, most modern zoos now focus on conservation and education. Still, many animal rights activists believe the cost of confining animals outweighs the benefits. What are your opinions? Feel free to share your ideas on this forum.
$~~~~$A. Amy
Personally I'm against zoos, though I do understand some of the arguments why they should exist. I don’t agree with caging animals for our entertainment.
$~~~~$B. Ben
What gives humans the right to capture, confine, or breed other species? Even if an animal is endangered, does that justify restricting its freedom?
$~~~~$ Zoos are a tradition, and a visit to a zoo is a wholesome family activity. Wildlife encounters are unforgettable experiences for children and adults alike. To me, a zoo can be a good place for endangered species which have difficulty finding suitable mates in the wild. My childhood memory of a polar bear pacing back and forth in a very small space in a zoo keeps haunting me. Is it a good idea to keep animals in sites not suited to them? Well, if zoos are an inevitability, zoo keepers must provide the best possible conditions for the animals that live in captivity—to say the least! Zoos have an educational aspect to it. It's easier to learn about an animal by seeing them in person. Most animals in zoos are not endangered, nor are they being prepared for release into natural habitats. In fact, it is nearly impossible to release captive-bred animals. Fostering empathy…By seeing an animal up close, the public could be encouraged to be more sensitive and compassionate to a species that is facing extinction in the wild. In making a case for or against zoos, both sides argue that they're saving animals. Whether or not zoos benefit the animal community, they certainly do make money. Like it or not, zoos will continue to exist as long as there is a demand for them.