Milana Anisimova 414g

Essay (p30 ex8)

Starting thousands of years ago, zoos attracted large crowds around
the world. That is why, today everyone has seen, been to, or heard of a
zoo at least once in their lifetime. However, the fact that zoos still ex-
ist provokes heated debate.

Some people think that zoos do more good than harm. They consider
such places as the contribution of humanity to the conservation of en-
dangered species. Animals there are cured, well fed and generally
cared about. What is more, zoos’ advocates insist that these places
benefit the scientific community by giving it an opportunity to study
animals through and through, which can be rather difficult in the wild.

Others argue that zoos are really detrimental to animals. Living in un-
naturally small spaces behind bars animals do suffer there, they say.
Besides, no scientific interest can justify confining animals away from
their homes.

Summarizing all of the above, I can confidently say that zoos are a
double edged sword. On the one hand, they open up new vistas for ed-
ucation and entertainment. On the other, such places selfishly exploit
animals. If truth be told, I am sure that zoos will always exist. In this
case, our primary goal is to make them more comfortable for their in-
habitants. So called “old school” zoos should be replaced by national
parks and reserves with vast territories which are as close to animals’
natural habitat as possible.