Should Animals be Kept in Zoos?

Should Animals be Kept in Zoos?

For many people, the zoo is a source of childhood amazement and fond memories: swinging monkeys, laughing hyenas and growling tigers. Conservationists say zoos advance their educational and preservationist efforts, but others see zoos as prisons where innocent creatures are unjustly held captive. The next time your child asks you to take them to the zoo, what will your answer be?

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You are seeing 2 Comments on this Argument. See all 66 Comments on this Question.
Regarding Argument
Zoos Encourage Research and Recreation
- From Jack Hanna
Yes Side
By Jack Hanna - Director Emeritus, Columbus Zoo

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  • Mcdowelli76
    Zoos help alot of species

    Alot goes on behind the scenes that helps find out why various species are in decline and how we may help them. While the tickets sold for admission and other recreation for the public to enjoy they fund research on species which includes creating assurance colonies so that species on the brink are not lost forever. The animal attractions that use both keeper and animals educate the public that man and animal can co-exist side by side as they have for thousands of years while at the same time showing the public that the animals are intelligent interactive beings to be respected and protected.

    - Mcdowelli76US May 29, 2009 8:24PM

    Reply to this Recommend (1) Icon flag Side: Yes

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Regarding Objection
Nothing Good Comes From Keeping Animals in Captivity
- From PETA
No Side
By PETA - People for Ethical Treatment of Animals

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  • Caracalover
    Wrong lesson

    I have never seen a sign at any zoo that says it is acceptable to tear an animal away from their families and homes to put them on display.

    I have however seen the roadkill that wild animals end up as when the mother mountain lion forces her offspring out of her territory. I have read in an educational source (Newspaper) that a male mountain lion came upon his mate, and her two young, killing them all (Yes that was what dad did.). Perhaps they would have been better off living in an enclosed state.

    PETA spins emotional diatribe to ellicit emotional responses that have nothing to do with animal care. This is just another example of that.

    In addition, zoos do not breed animals to provide cute babies to attract zoo patrons. They have zoo patrons that want to be proactive about saving species, and so captive conservation efforts are funded, and these often include breeding a species whose numbers are dwindling. In most cases the young are not even put on display for months.

    Should an animal go to auction, they can be sold to caring loving facilities as well. That is where the vast majotity end up, but that wouldn't get PETA much support , would it? So a twisted response to ellicit emotion is once again employed.

    - CaracaloverUS November 14, 2009 4:42PM

    Reply to this Recommend (1) Icon flag Side: Yes

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Keep Animals in Zoos?

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  • Jack Hanna
    Jack Hanna is the director emeritus for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and host of “Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild” and “Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures.”... More

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