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Alexis Celis

ENGL 1302

Dr. Sharity Nelson

30 March 2023

Understanding Zoos and Aquariums

Introduction

Zoos and aquariums are ethical to both wildlife and humans because of the multiple

benefits that come with these places. They provided safety and shelter for wildlife and education

and research for humans.

Body 1- Background on zoos and aquariums

To begin, the definition of zoos and aquariums is defined as a place where wildlife are

kept and displayed to the public. Beyond that definition, zoos and aquariums have provided

wildlife with many resources to ensure their well being and maintaining their natural

enviornments. The goal of these places is to assure that the wildlife are safe and have everything

they need to maintain a healthy state, not to mention they alway have medical attention.

Nowadays, it is difficult for wildlife to live in the wild due to the effects of climate change to

biodiversity. For example, back in 2022, an article was published on the affect climate change

has had on polar bears. The article states that “over the past twenty years the rate of ice loss is

accelerating, and has warmed by .75 degree celsius” (Whittington-Evans). Even though this is

happening in the Artic, it goes to show how progressive climate change is happening and how

quickly it come around.

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Body 2 - Evidence supporting the benefits of zoos

To continue, other benefits that come from zoos and aquariums for humans. Education

being one of the main benefits for humans. In this aspect of education, all ages are able to go to

these places to view wildlife that they normally wouldn't see in everyday life. By looking at all

the interesting animals, people can read signs or hear audios providing information on the

wildlife. Especially by allowing young adults and children to engage in these enviornments it can

help them find compassion in nature and even take interest in a possible career pathway.

Awareness is also one of the main benefits that come from having zoos and aquariums. By

learning about these species and their background, people can help bring and spread awareness

to endangered species.

Body 3- Argument on the topic and supporting evidence

On the contrary, there have been multiple arguments that go against zoos and aquariums.

The arguments made vary from “supporting” animals in captivity, animals should be kept in the

wild, and to zoos and aquariums are cruel in general. People who oppose to zoos and aquariums

view this as a wildlife jail, to put it in a nice way. Most of these speculations come from

contextless information that is mainly found on social media. On social media, there are many

topics that are twisted to each individuals perspective. This causes an outburst of arguments and

which in this case lead to the negative judgement of zoos and aquariums. For the majority, it also

depends on the environment of the zoos and aquariums. There has been multiple cases against

zoos and aquariums for mistreating and harming the wildlife. Unfortunately, the mistreatment of

the wildlife and their habitat still happen even til this day, however, many people use these cases

to go against all zoos and aquariums in general.

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Conclusion

Predomniately, this essay argues the beneficial aspect of zoos and aquariums. It explains

that these places are commonly misunderstood to be something terrible for wildlife.
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