CHAPTER 

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

Rationale of the Study

Environmental sustainability means being accountable for protecting global

ecosystems and conserving natural resources to support health and welfare

both now and in the future. One of the most important aspects of

environmental sustainability is its forward-looking orientation because so

many decisions that have an influence on the environment are not recognized

right away.

Animals contribute to the preservation of the Earth's natural ecosystem by

predating on plants and other animals, pollinating other plants, and exhaling

carbon dioxide, which green plants require to survive. Furthermore, animals

contribute to plant fertilization through their droppings, which give sustenance

to plants, and seed-dispersal tendencies, which aid in plant dispersal

throughout habitats. Animals that die also provide food for bacteria and

minerals to plants. All terrestrial species are linked; plants influence animals

and vice versa.

As a result of human activity, many wildlife species are on the verge of

extinction. The top zoos in the world seek to balance activities that endanger

the viability of threatened animals' wild populations. Nevertheless, despite

several calls to action over the past 25 years, major scientific input, and a lot

of organizational effort, this same network of zoos has so far generally failed

to manage its own populations of wildlife sustainably. Zoos started out as

amusements, and despite their evolution, they still exist to produce money

and satisfy the need for entertainment of a wealthy society. But on a deeper

level, they are crucial elements of a global conservation system that echoes

the colonial and racial history of the West. This system views the local

populations in regions where the majority of endangered species are found as

a problem that needs to be solved, frequently by acquiring traditional lands,

setting up camps and other experiences for affluent tourists, and hiring armed

guards to patrol the borders of parks and reserves.

Though some people regard zoos as nothing more than animal prisons, it is

also important to recognize the positive contributions that many zoos have

made. The majority, in general, works hard to protect the environment and

animals. A lot is done for the animals in zoos, where the best food and care

are provided by diligent zoologists who are aware of their needs. Zoos also

help wildlife and the environment by promoting conservation. Many

organizations have dedicated centers or programs that work to protect and

preserve endangered species. Zoos could be very important to researchers.

In fact, a number of zoos provide habitats for exotic creatures that are no

longer found in the wild. Because zoos are oftentimes the only place where

scientists can examine such strange creatures, they may be useful for

researchers, especially for rare species. Only by learning more about this

species will we be able to prevent it from going extinct in the long run, hence
research on it is essential.