Zoos are sometimes seen as necessary but poor alternatives to a natural environment.

From: Sun Xiuying (Christina)
Date: 9/14/00
Time: 12:14:31 PM
Remote Name: 194.83.240.16

Comments

There are many debates on whether zoos should be prohibited since the issue of animal conservation arose about thirty years ago. From my point of view, zoos are very important and should be maintained although they provide poor alternatives to a natural environment for the animals.

It has often been said tha animals' survival abilities have been deprived because of the limited exposure to nature in zoos. In addition, they don't have any freedom sinced they are kept in small cages. Teh situation is even worse in developing and less developed countries due to lack of financial support from the government. This is partly true. However, the situation is changing and becoming better and better. For example, a huge forest zoo was constructed a few years ago in my city so that the animals have enough space to live. Most importantly, zoos are the safeste place for endangered animals. It is claimed that many species are protected in zoos.

Some people may argue that it's not humane to train specific animals to perform in circuses of the zoos. This is because most of them are kept in their small cages without eating any food for hours before their perfomances. for instance, the monkeys or dogs are forced to jump through fire balls, the seals have to jump out of the water and make special noises for the audience. There is some truth in this. However, this kind of programme does attract and and entertain a large number of people. Besides, there is no evidence showing that it harms the animals. Moreover, zoos provide the optimal environment for children or adults to get to know animals. Nobody can deny the crucial educational role the zoos play.

To conclude, despite of the poor alternatives to a natural environment, people benefit a great deal from zoos. Furthermore, the animals, the endangered species in particular, are protected and taken good cre of by the zoo keepers. As a result, in my personal opinion, keeping animals in zoos is the right decision.