ELC501

(PRINCIPLES OF ENTREPRENEUR)

AM228 & ACC220

(FACULTY OF ADMINISTRATIVE SCIENCE AND POLICY
& FACULTY OF ACCOUNT)

FORUM SCRIPT
“ZOO: IS THE EXISTENCE A BOON OR A BANE”

LECTURER:
MISS DELIA L OLAYBAL

BY:

NAME STUDENT I. D GROUP FACULTY CODE

1. KHAIRUL NAEM BIN OMAR 2019330911 SAMA6A AM228

2. MD FAIDHI BIN MD ARIFIN 2014713041 SAMA6A AM228

3. JUDE BIN UBUG 2019849202 SAMA6A AM228

4. SUSANNA JOHN 2019496976 SAMA6A AM228

5. SAFIAH BINTI MARDIN 2019884774 SAMA6A AM228

 Forum Sript ELC501
Title: “Zoo: Is the existence a boon or a
bane?”
Scope: “Should Zoos Exist?”

FIRST ROUND
MODERATOR: Ms.Ain

Assalamualaikum and a very good day to our audience and to our respected panels. Today
we have Mr Khairul Naem as our first panel, Md Faidhi as our second panel, Jude Ubug as our third
panel, Susana John as our fourth panel and Safiah Mardin as our fifth panel. What a great day to
discuss and debate about our topic today which related to animals. I’m sure all of our panel has their
own pet isn’t? But this debate is not about pet but about animal inside the zoo. What is the zoo is
about? To exhibit wild animal or for profit alone? Accordance with our title today, is the existence of
a zoo is a boon or a bane. So begin of the first round of our debate today i’ll ask our first panel, in
your opinion Mr Khairul Naem is the existence of a zoo is a boon or a bane? And please tell us why?

Panel 1: Naem

Thank you to our moderator, Ms. Ain for that question, in my opinion zoo existence is a
boon because for me it can help people to learn about the animals, their species, their behaviour
and more. Human need to study the animals to have more knowledge about them and help them in
terms of their extinction, health or learning about their species that may help in the human
extinction too. For example, maybe we can get a vaccine through the animals blood, and also by
doing an experiments towards the animals first before going to human itself. So with the existence
of the zoo it’s also help both side in terms of the existence of each other. As the author David
Hancocks and Richard Farinato wrote, “according to traditional zoo philosophy, people must see live
animals in order to learn about a good species (and consequently to care about the species and its
habitat)”. Meaning by this, existence of zoo will help we as a human to gain knowledge and in some
way help to preserve the species, because some species may on the verge of extinction, so the
scientists may help to preserve the species by doing a research or anything that may help in the
continuity of their existence and with that knowledge of the animals by getting it from the zoo will
help us human and the animals itself.

Besides that, surrounding of the animals also play a major role on their life, because with a better
place and environment will help them to have a good life and health. With that zoos must have the
facilities that match and suit with the animals life for example, jungle environment, river and more
else that help them to feel like at their own place where their habitat should be. According to Animal
Asia Welfare Director, “most zoo nowadays have more natural enclosures and encourage the
demonstration of natural behaviours in their animal so the animal will feel that it still in their real
habitat”. With the author mention that nowadays zoos mostly have the facilities that have more
natural environment, it will help the animals close to their life of nature and habitat to feel more
likely at home, and with this facilities at the zoos is not a bad or affliction to the existence of the
animals itself because zoos nowadays always maintaining their good care towards the animals inside.
Once again, i strongly agree that is the existence of zoos is a boon in nowadays especially to the
animals and human also. Thank you.

MODERATOR:Ms.Ain

What a good explanation made by our first panel, so he/she agree that zoo existence is a
boon, he/she also explain it well by supporting that it will bring benefits not only to us, but also to
the animal itself. So next we will be asking our second panel, do you agree that the existence of zoo
is a boon or a bane?

Panel 2: Faidi

Thank you Ms Ain , based on our topic discussed, for my opinion zoo existence is a bane. It is
good and acceptable when some adults, children and family visiting zoos that will be give the
subliminal message using animals for our own purposes because zoo will encourage poor treatment
of animals more generally. As examples here, mostly people do not go to zoos for educational
reasons and they simply go to be entertained and diverted by weird and wonderful creatures seen as
objects of beauty or entertainment. Therefore, as a form of education the zoo is deficient, the only
way to understand an animal properly is to see it in its natural environment. The zoo gives a totally
artificial and misleading view of the animal by isolating it from its ecosystem. Based on some
researcher, there having a problem with the claim that zoos are beneficial because they help to
conserve endangered species. As for instance, they do not have a very high success rate as many
species are going extinct every week despite the good intentions of some zoos. This is partly because
a very small captive community of a species is more prone to inter breeding and birth defects.
Moreover, it is cruel and inhumane to keep animals in cages purely for human entertainment. Some
example, we visit the zoo maybe one day in a year for a few hours and we may gain some trivial
sense of joy out of it. However, the animals have to stay in that zoo all year round whereby it is
against their natural instincts to roam free. They also have no reprieve from their environment. Why
should humans think that they can keep animals out of their homes and in glass houses just for
human entertainment? It is neither fair nor proportionate right? Humans get food and medical
treatment in jails, does that mean that prisoners are happy or that confinement is not punitive?
Freedom for all living thing.

MODERATOR: Ms.Ain

Thank you panel 2, he really get a point there that zoo existence is a bane, bringing more
harm than benefits to the animals inside the zoo. But it is still early to debate, let us hear more
opinion by our panel first then we will start our debate. So panel 3, let us hear what is your opinion
about this topic.

Panel 3: Jude

Thank you Ms Ain. So in my point of view, I do agree that that Zoo existence is a boon
because the Animals in zoo is for education purposes. This is based on article that I read written by
Dr. B. R. Sharma indicates a similar point of view . In his article, he said As zoos are visited by a large
number of visitors, zoos could be used as a platform for educating people about the protection of
habitat, ecosystems and forests, and maintaining the life supporting processes of nature. In other
words, zoos are bringing the people and animals together through educating the public and the
foster an appreciation of the other species. We know that most of the people especially those who
live in urban area will never see a wild life like lion and giraffe. As we know, there are also
documentaries in television that shows more detailed and lots of natural history specimens are on
display in museums. In contrast, people will feel pale rather than seeing the wild life creature in the
flesh, hearing it, smelling the environment by themselves and watch the habit of the wild life while
enjoying their time with the nature. This is actually could bring a better understanding and different
perspectives to many people and hopefully they will have greater appreciation for wild life,
conservation efforts and how should they contribute or assist the conservatisms. This action comes
before the actual direct communication take place through signs such as talks, and exposure of more
information about animals and their habitat. Nowadays, many zoos have also work directly in
educating conservation workers in many foreign countries or send their keepers abroad in order to
contribute their knowledge and skills at other zoos. This could also preserve and helps to improve
conditions and reintroductions regarding zoos all over the world

MODERATOR: Ms.Ain

What a great explaination panel 3, indicates strong point about zoo is for education
purposes, she-he really got his/her point. What about you panel 4?

Panel 4: (SUSANNA)

Thank you Ms. Ain . For me, i agree that the existence of a zoo is a boon. For me, zoo can
give a lot of benefits not just to us but to the safety of the animals as well especially to the
endangered animals . According to the article written by The Guardian, the animals in the zoo
movement might be restricted but not necessarily by that much but they will not suffer from the
threat or stress of predators and nor will they be killed in a grisly manner or eaten alive or the
irritation and pain of parasites. The animals injuries and illnesses will be treated, they won’t suffer or
die of drought or starvation and indeed will get a varied and high-quality diet with all the
supplements required that been provided by the zoo management. They can be spared bullying or
social ostracism or even infanticide by others of their kind, or a lack of a suitable home or
environment in which to live. A lot of very nasty things happen to truly ‘wild’ animals that simply
don’t happen in good zoos and to cast a life that is ‘free’ as one that is ‘good’ is, I think, an error.
Some zoos provide a safe environment for animals which have been mistreated in circuses, or pets
which have been abandoned. According to the article written by The British Council, zoos also carry
out important research into subjects like animal behaviour and how to treat illnesses. One of the
most important modern functions of zoos is supporting international breeding programmes,
particularly for endangered species. In the wild, some of the rarest species have difficulty in finding
mates and breeding, and they might also be threatened by poachers, loss of their habitat and
predators. A good zoo will enable these species to live and breed in a secure environment. In
addition, as numbers of some wild species drop, there is an increased danger of populations
becoming too genetically similar. Breeding programmes provide a safeguard of zoo-bred animals can
be released into the wild to increase genetic diversity. In that, I belive that the existing of a zoo is a
boon because one of the reason it exist is to protect the endanger animlas species.
MODERATOR: Ms.Ain

Another strong point explained that zoo is a boon, thank you panel 4, look like only one
panel giving points why zoo is a bane, but let us hear from the last panel, panel 5 please voice out
your opinion.

Panel 5: (Safiah)

Thank you Ms.Ain , first i would like to quote an article from National Geographic on How to
be safe while visiting a zoo or other wildlife facility by Jason Bittel published on May 14, 2019, the
visitor must follow the rule and boundaries when visiting. As mention in the article, if you as a visitor
respect the boundaries while visiting there is no unfortunate incident in zoos as well in wildlife
facilities. My opinion here, I agree with the bane of zoos as the visitor sometimes does not follow
the rule and may cause the incident at the zoos. In 2012, we heard about a 12 years old boy being
killed by African wild dogs after he fell into exhibits at Pittsburgh zoo. Additionally, the same incident
happens at Cincinnati Zoo in the Year 2016, a young child has fallen into great apes area which led
the zookeepers to shoot the gorilla to protect the child from the gorilla named Harambe. This is
enough to support my opinion that zoos sometimes can bring danger to the visitors. In another
article, Animals are not ours, published on October 28,2020 by PETA, the animal is not for human
entertainment such as circus, perform force and silly with difficult trick whit threat and physical
abuse from their owner to entertain the visitor. The animal mostly being kept in the chain or caged
and sometimes travel to put on the show to entertain the human. Based on the article, PETA
determined the animal are not for business entertainment as animal cruelty being abused by circus
business. In my opinion, this is not applicable in circus industries as a performance by animals also
happens in zoos to entertain the visitor. We never know what kind of treatment these animals have
as we are not working at zoos. Sometimes we heard some animals being abuse if these animals
didn't cooperate with their coaches. We didn't speak the animal language so we never know what
these animals feel while being trap incaged.
 SECOND ROUND
MODERATOR: Ms.Ain

Finally our last panel agree that the zoo existence is a bane, thank you panel 5. Thank you to
all our panels for giving their views on the first round of our debate today. Now, we will be heading
to the next round of our debate, so Mr Khairul Naem about your opinion in round 1, i see that you
agree that the existence of zoo is a boon, but your points are contradicts with panel 2 so how do you
want to uphold your opinion that zoo existence is a boon?

Panel 1: Naem

Thank you Ms Ain. (Panel 2) i can see that you are stating zoo existence is a bane, and you
explained that most people go to zoo not for educational reasons but they go there simply to be
entertained and diverted, i don’t agree with that because we often heard about a class trip to zoo,
most zoo also encourage schools or educational institustion to do a class trip by giving them a
student discount and some would allow them in for free. Zoo is actually supporting educational
purposes and not for entertaining only, some people might go there for holiday trip, family trip or
simply just for sightseeing but stating that zoo is a bane just because of that is not right because
reason of an individual itself can’t be a perception that the zoo is for entertainment alone. Your
another point is that the only way to understand an animal properly is to see it in its natural
environment, i agree with that point but our point here is how to see the animal in its natural
environment? Is it by go to the jungle and looking for the animal by ourselves? Zoo is actually makes
it easier for us to see wild animals from the forest, safely.

MODERATOR: Ms.Ain

Well, well, well the forum is got heated up now. The issue is quite divided into pros and cons. Let’s
hear from Mr Jude. Mr Jude can you provide us with your perspective regarding the issue.

Panel 3: Jude

Yes, sure Ms Ain. In my opinion and perspective, surely i agree that the existence of a zoo is a
boon .because we can help people to learn about the animals, their species, their behaviour and
more ,like what Mr Naem said. But, for me at the same time I think when the Zoo is boon will lead to
the development of the unity. Other than that, it will also promote the good and kind behaviour to
the people. We can see this situation when Zoo Negara has announced the new way for people to
donor, Zoo Negara has partnered with Ticket2U for support ‘Adopt an animal’ initiative programmed.
As we all know that everyone is affected by transmission of Covid-19, it is not only human or person
affected but the organization like Zoo Negara also facing difficulties due to the short of financial
sources to feed the animal in the Zoo. When these initiatives have been introduced, we can see as a
Malaysian regardless race and religion support the program by promote the program and make a
donation. According to Dr. Mat Naim Ramli, Zoo Negara has collected around RM2 Million in cash
from the animal adoption programmed. He added that the public has been very generous due to the
matter that they receive thousands of email expressing interest in the programmed. Based on what I
read on New Strait Times online newspaper, Zoo negara has receive RM1.3 Million from government
Malaysia for Zoo negara facing this challenging situation. The purpose is for cover the food supply
during Movement Control Order (MCO).

MODERATOR: Ms.Ain

What a great explanation panel 3, now, let’s move to the next panel (Faidi) as your points are
contradicts with panel 1, please give your opinion?

Panel 2: Faidi

Thank you Ms Ain, In my opinion, whatever the good intentions of zoo keepers, animals in zoos
suffer. They cannot avoid from confined in unnaturally small spaces and they are kept from the
public by cages and bars. They suffer psychological distress, often displayed by abnormal or self
destructive behaviour. As for examples, an aquatic animals do not have enough water, birds are
prevented from flying away by having their wings clipped and being kept in aviaries. Therefore, I
disagree about what Naem (Panel1) said just now and I don’t think that zoos should need to exist.
But for those that do actually rehabilitate wildlife and protect endangered species I think there is an
argument for them in today world. However it would be far better if they were to become wildlife
sanctuaries and they stopped buying and selling animals. What we should be doing is protecting the
habitats of wild animals and ensuring their survival in the wild. But until people around the world
care more about life than money I’m afraid there’s little chance of certain species surviving without a
helping hand from zoos. Therefore, we would not force a human to be subjected to inhumane
treatment and captivity with the reasoning that they would be saving future humans. We have
something that is called integrity. Everyone has it and there is no reason why animals should not be
given this grace as well. We cannot subject an animal, against it wishes to captivity and rationed
foods by citing the future good for all animals. We should respect every animal, even those in zoos
and not offer them up as sacrifice.
MODERATOR: Ms.Ain

I see that you have an excellent point and explanation there Panel 2. Now, Panel 4 ( Susanna ) I
believe that you have a different belief from Panel 2 and Panel 5. Would you like to give your
opinion why you disagree with both Panel 2 and 5?

Panel 4: Susanna

Hello Ms Ain, yes of course. One of the reason why I agree the existence of a zoo is a boon
because the existence of zoo is not only provided us a knowledge about animals as stated by Panel 1
but also help us to ensure all species of animals are taken care of especially the endanger animals. If
we leave the animals in the wild as mentioned by Panel 2, it does not mean that the animals are
safe. Yes, animals that live in the wild are most likely have the freedom of their own and does
not suffer from any mental and emotion health but that does not mean that their habitat will
survive. For instance, many tiger being killed illegally by hunter because of their fur. In this, zoo will
help us to protect any animal species whether it was endangered animals or not. In Zoo Negara, the
management of the zoo provided a center for the collection and protection of animals. To perform
this task, 200 workers should be able to maintain the safety and health of animals by providing
suitable accommodation for their habitat. Efficient staff and facilities such as animal clinics, kitchens
for the maintenance and storage of food supplies, quarantine centers of sick or newly received
animals and animal breeding centers assist in the implementation of this function. The goal of the
zoo is to protect the declining number of animal species due to the destruction of native habitats
and animal breeding activities. So, I think that zoo should be exist in order to protect the endangered
animals species.

MODERATOR: Ms.Ain

Wow, what a great explanation from Susanna, so now panel 5, did you agree with the statement
from Panel 3, Mr. Jude as he mention zoo are to learn about the animals, their species, their
behaviour and more? What’s your opinion?

Panel 5: Safiah

Alright Ms Ain, thank you for the question, well for my opinion I am not agree with the statement
from Jude as I mention before animal are not for entertainment. Let me take an example from the
article I read from Macaranga article, the conservationist said that ‘’if a zoo doesn't think about the
wild relatives of the animal it is keeping, what makes it different from a circus, where people pay to
see a spectacle’’, from the statement we know that zoo and circus are no different when the animal
are the main subject for people entertainment. Well if you still insist to learn about the animal wild
life, there are wildlife safari which is more better than zoos. Why? Because keeping the animal in zoo
for sake their species is like violets their rights to be free from human exploitation as the animal
advocates against keeping animals in zoos. There are different between the zoos and safari as the
zoo keeping the animal and might buy, sell, breed, trade or even capture animal from the wild
meanwhile safari provide those animal with this liberty which is the animal lovers can rush their
adrenalin and give them the opportunity to know the animal in real wildlife with more fun and
adventure. Based on article Bali Safari, in safari you may able to crossing path with the magnificent
elephants or dining with a pride lion. Simply said that safari adventure give you the upfront
experience of wildlife, a real nature of animal life and true cultural experience. So last but not least, I
would like to use a text from the Bali Safari as well that Safari are more than a zoos because going to
safari a more than looking at animals by walk around the open field and interact with the local
culture. So for me, going to safari you may learn a real habitat of the animals and most important
those animal are protected from human exploitation because we are animals lovers. That’s it from
me, thank you.

MODERATOR: Ms.Ain

Well done panel 5. you give a detail with your opinion against the panel 3. So, it looks like we already
in the end of our forum today. Based on the panels debate we may know some of the zoos give
advantage and disadvantages both to human and the animals. As we know, those animal need to be
protected from human greed so that our future generation can still learn about these animal. We
may conclude here zoos has their on benefits to their visitor and we still need zoos as a part of
learning and the same time we must not use these animals to gain a profit or as business purposed
because those animal are not for human entertainment. Thank you to all panels for a great forum
and I hope we all may learn about the animals nature not just in zoos but as well in other wildlife
facility.