Are Zoos A Good Thing?

@worldwise1 (14885)
United States
July 15, 2007 6:17pm CST
After watching a report on the world news the morning where a zookeeper was mauled by a tiger, I have to wonder if zoos are a good thing at all. These animals were meant to be in the wild in their natural habitat. Why should they be taken away from this just for the viewing pleasure of people all over the world? I know about all the claims that they are trying to preserve certain species, but there are just things that man should not be tampering with. With all the video capabilities, internet technology, etc. that we have it seems fair to say that these animals could be filmed in their natural habitats for the enjoyment of the viewing public. I occasionally watch such nature documentaries on PBS. They have other networks dedicated entirely to animals. Maybe it's time to phase out the zoos.
4 people like this
10 responses
@Aurone (4755)
• United States
15 Jul 07
While I think its sad to lock up some of the majestic animals, I think zoos are good things. Especially good zoos like the San Diego Zoo. They do a lot of conservation worw, breeding of endangered animals as well as maintaining some of the only existing members of some animals. They have pretty nice enclosures for most of the animals and have been re-doing the smaller enclosures. Plus I use the zoo as an educational tool when I teach. I actually take my students to the zoo. Where else are they going to see animal diversity like that? Its really not the same as seeing the animals on TV. Besides for many of these animals they don't really have home territories left, humans have taken them all over. So I would have to be in favor of keeping the good zoos, but perhaps shutting down some of the more shady ones.
@Aurone (4755)
• United States
16 Jul 07
True, and I agree with you there we should have left them some room, but we haven't and a lot of the habitat is destroyed beyond repair. Getting rid of zoos won't solve any of that.
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
16 Jul 07
That is my point exactly, Aurone. Man has imposed himself into the lives of these animals to their detriment. And all to what purpose-so they can use more land to develop for shopping malls and superstores? Or is it so they can have larger and more luxurious showplaces that they call homes? Many of these species would not be threatened if not for the foolhardiness of man.
@Zelmarq (12585)
• Cebu City, Philippines
15 Jul 07
Zoos are ok for me coz its a place where we could see the real animal, but the zoo authorities should make it sure that there is enough security for the safety of the public to prevent accidents from happening.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
16 Jul 07
I don't know how they could insure that no accidents would ever happen, zelmarq. I'm looking at this from the viewpoint of the animals. I think they would be happier if they were allowed to roam free in their native habitats.
1 person likes this
@Zelmarq (12585)
• Cebu City, Philippines
16 Jul 07
yes thats true, its nice to free them to let a free life, its like imprisoning them. Its nice to let them be and enjoy their lives outside.
• United States
15 Jul 07
Some zoos actually keep animals that were once kept as domestic pets. People fail to realize the the cuddly little animals they get as babies grow and become adults. The zoos offer the animals a safe place to live out their days. They cannot be released back into the wild.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
16 Jul 07
I understand what you are saying, Elusive. I don't have a problem with them rescuing abandoned animals that could not survive in the wild. Does this mean that they should also go into the wild and remove animals just to place them on public view? These animals are not at risk since they are in their natural habitat. It is the law of the jungle that they must learn to survive or perish.
@Calais (10893)
• Australia
16 Jul 07
I am on the fence about this one...They should be in the wild in their natural habitat, but then its good to research and learn from them too. Breeding programs are great especially when it is us humans that are bringing certain species to extinction...
1 person likes this
@mummymo (23706)
16 Jul 07
I must admit I worry about most zoos - it seems so sad to see these animals trapped in such a small space! Zoos do have good breeding programmes which helps species which are endangered! I much prefer Safari Parks as Animals there have more room to move around and they seem much happier and more content! xxx
• United States
16 Jul 07
I think that is terrible the way that some of the animals are kept in zoos. We went to one while on vacation. The poor little creatures are all caged up with no company. It made me sad to think that I was paying for these animals to be treated this way.
@timou87 (1638)
• Singapore
16 Jul 07
zoos are a good thing in that they remain an affordable way for the masses to know more about the diverse wildlife that pupulates the rest of the planet. however, zoos must be closely regulated and monitored such that the welfare of the animals are well taken care of and that the animals are not abused.
@eden32 (3973)
• United States
16 Jul 07
Among other reasons zoos need to exist, is that many of these animals are losing their natural habitat at a rate that will not support them. Especially the big cats,elephants & rhinos; poachers are still trapping and hunting them at alarming rates & simotanously their habitats are shrinking. Without some interventions by humans, we won't have these animals in the future.
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
16 Jul 07
I have mixed feelings about this, worldwise--on one hand many zoos have been instrumental in literally saving species of animals that might otherwise have become extinct...I'm thinking of say panda bears, where many have successfully breed and had offspring. Many of the inhabitants where the animals had lived in are more and more being taken over by the human species...if they were allowed to roam free, no doubt many would be killed off as being a danger to towns/villages --thinking of tigers here.... Also, if zoos were phased out...where would the animals go to? Since many were breed in captivity many wouldn't survive if turned loose--they wouldn't have a clue how to survive outside of the zoo environment
@mageshis (183)
• India
16 Jul 07
I dont like to see amimals in cage, i like watching them in field or forest they must be free.I dont like even the dogs to be tied up.