Some people think zoos are all cruel and should be closed down. Others, however, believe that zoos can be useful in protecting wild animals. Discuss both opinions and give your own opinion.

Just like how a coin has two sides, the debate on whether
zoos
must be present is
also
two-sided.
While
some say
zoos
are torturous to
animals
, others believe that
zoos
are important for protecting
animals
, especially endangered
species
. I unequivocally believe that
zoos
must be present but must be used only during certain necessary circumstances. On the one hand,
zoos
are compared to human prisons.
This
is because the
animals
are stuck between four walls throughout their life and their movements are restricted.
Moreover
,
zoos
have reduced interspecies and intraspecies interactions, which are prevalent in the wild
hence
causing distress to
species
. In nature,
species
are dependent on each other and are connected via numerous food webs.
Subsequently
, if
animals
are removed from the wild, it causes an imbalance in the food web,
thus
affecting other
species
.
For example
, in 2020 when the Indian government started conserving otters, the alligator population faced a decline
due to
the fewer food sources available for them to consume.
On the other hand
,
zoos
have helped conserve threatened and critically endangered
species
such
as the Dodo bird and the Red Panda.
Due to
climate change, many
species
are finding it difficult to adapt to their changing habitat.
As a result
, their numbers are reducing.
Zoos
have helped these
species
by providing them with apt conditions necessary for their survival.
Furthermore
, the concept of getting killed by a predator is no longer a concern.
For instance
, the parrot population has increased by 50% over the past 10 years,
due to
captive breeding and reintroduction programs done by
zoos
. In conclusion,
zoos
can be a boon when used out of necessity and a bane when misused. In my opinion,
species
need to be free in the wild unless they are threatened with extinction, in which case
zoos
work wonders.
Submitted by vani13padmakumar on

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Topic Vocabulary:
  • animal welfare
  • conservation
  • captive breeding
  • habitat
  • ethical issues
  • zoochosis
  • endangered species
  • genetic diversity
  • reintroduction programs
  • wildlife education
  • sanctuary
  • natural living conditions
  • artificial environments
  • behavioral enrichment
  • ecosystem
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