Over the past few days, we went on three game drives and were able to see animals in their natural habitats which was an incredible experience. This prompted a great conversation in the car about whether animals should be in zoos or left in their natural habitats. I think there should be zoos, because they help with conservation and education around animals, as well as provide entertainment.
To me, conservation means protecting animals and giving them a safe place to live, which zoos can provide. It can also play a part in helping endangered species avoid extinction. For example, a subspecies of rhinoceros, the West African Black rhino, became extinct in 2006 due to poaching. Now there are only three more subspecies of rhinos, but the Black rhino we saw is on the “critically endangered” list. Can you imagine a world without rhinos? Not just rhinos, what about amazing elephants? Cute, cuddly pandas? Thanks to zoos, these endangered animals are being cared for and protected.
Educating others about animals is an important part of zoos. With animals in zoos, they can be studied and we can learn more about their habitats, behaviours, and feeding habits. There are also great programs for school groups who come and visit. The students are able to learn more about the animals by reading the information panels, interacting with the displays of furs and skulls, and are better informed to help the animals.
Zoos are great for entertainment, no matter which age group. There are activities to engage everyone and bring them closer to the animals. For example, people are able to meet the animal keepers and watch them feed the animals. There are also outdoor amphitheatre shows where animals can display their natural abilities for attentive audiences. There are special programs for kids such as summer camps and a section of the zoo just for children. This part is full of things to excite children. This is still my favourite part of the Toronto Zoo today!
Although I loved going on the game drives to see the animals in their natural habitats, I can see the benefits of zoos. They are good for both humans and the animaIs. Conservation, education, and entertainment are a big part of zoos and makes them great. Please comment below because I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic!
Comments
20 responses to “Zoos = Fabulous!”
I too can see the benefits of having zoos for those who are not as fortunate as you and I and able to see these wondrous creatures in their natural habitat. But, and it is a big but, these animals are meant to roam, so it always hurts me when I see them confined, no matter how lovely the ‘environment ‘( like the Toronto Zoo). In this instance, I fear I am a terrible fence sitter as I do understand the benefits of having children learn about animals that they could otherwise never see (live), and TV/videos simply do not do the job. It certainly is a quandary…..
Hi Herta,
Although I do love zoos, I could argue for both sides because there is no right or wrong answer to this topic. It’s a great discussion that could be endless!
I have to say I have never been a supporter of zoos. It was always my least favourite trip with my class at school. I feel animals should be able to roam free too, howeve, in zoos I know certain species are protected and for that, I am grateful. I also agree with you Mikhaila that zoos are wonderful for exposing children/adults to animals they would otherwise only see on tv or read about in books. So I guess I am like Herta, sitting on the fence. I personally do not enjoy visiting the zoo, have been fortunate to see many animals in their natural habitat but agree with many of your arguments! Did anyone in the car have a differing view from yours? Love Teta Doreen xoxo
Hello Teta Doreen,
In our discussion, we talked about the importance of zoos as well as keeping animals in their natural habitats. We all agreed with both sides and don’t have a side either.
Hi Mikhaila,
I am of two minds right now! I believe they deserve to roam in their natural habitat. However, regarding endangered species, through the Zoos we gain an education as to why they are endangered. i.e. Are hunters hunting them, or what is the problem they are endangered? I can see the more educated we are toward the animals, we will be able to advocate for them on their behalf. Therefore, the zoos provide education, empathy, and understanding towards the animals and their needs. We do need to make sure that the animals are in climates they are accustomed to. The more I comment about this, the more I agree with you. The Zoos are necessary! Papou, agrees as well! He said that we need the Zoos for the same reasons I mentioned. Love, Baba
Hi Baba,
I’m glad you and Papou agree with me! I have always loved zoos and seeing the animals who live in them. I especially love looking at the polar bears!
Well done, Mikhaila! You have given lots of us ‘food for thought”! You already gave us recipes for food for our tummies! This is a very interesting issue. I am sure that you will have had, and continue to have lots of things that you will want to process and discuss.
Hello Herta (again),
We’re working hard to find things to fill your brain and stomach! 🙂 I know there will be more things up for discussion as our trip progresses.
Well articulated “FOR” zoos argument Mikhaila!!!! However, it cuts me to the quick knowing some of God’s most glorious creatures are living in confined and controlled environments, instead of freely roaming in their natural habitats. On the other hand, it makes me sad to know if it weren’t for zoos, likely I mat never had gotten the opportunity to meet my most favourite animal (the elephant
Hi Marina,
It was incredible to see the animals without glass in between, but that glass is protecting the animals from poachers who help their extinction. Elephants are especially at danger for their tusks so it’s a good thing some are safe.
I am glad you know the Toronto Zoo well and have enjoyed all it has to offer. It does great work educating school groups and the public and also supporting endangered species of not only animals but plants too. I love volunteering there in the summertime.
Hello Chris,
I really enjoy the Toronto Zoo and go at least once every summer! Once, my mom organized for us to interview the gorilla, lion, and elephant keepers, which was a lot of fun. Volunteering there must be great! 🙂
Great report, Mikhaila. You make some very good points about the important role that zoos can play. In particular, helping to save and increase endangered species, saving/rescuing injured animals and educating people about all of our beautiful creatures. Enjoying the reports and photos from Tanzania. What an amazing adventure!
Have fun,
Teta Jill
xo
Hi Teta Jill,
Zoos play a part in animal protection, which I’m grateful for. Before this year, I never would have seen any animals from other countries. 🙂
Mikhaila,
I have to agree with what everyone else has said about the pros and cons of zoos! I shudder to think about the zoo that I visited as a young child – Riverdale Zoo. All the animals lived in cages! When I look back on it, it was a horrible inhumane facility. I am glad some improvements have been made but wish our zoos of the future could simply be seeing the animals in their own environment with minimal impact on them. A bit of wishful thinking I’m afraid!!!
Ginny
Hello Ginny,
I think zoos are great if they take care of the animals well. Maybe one day future zoos will be seeing them in their natural habitats.
I’m with your side on this…zoos to work on conservation and education. Toronto Zoo has had success with Black-footed ferrets and reintroducing them into the wild as they were near extinction. You have a privilege that few will ever have…seeing them in the wild. It must be an awesome moment to appreciate the difference and the value of each. It may be interesting to debate the existence of public zoos like Toronto Zoo and that of private zoos that some create for their own amusement.
Hi Maria,
It’s good to hear the black-footed ferret has been brought back by the zoo! I think zoos are great, but if they are made for people’s entertainment, I’m against those.
Hi, Mikhaila, as always, I enjoy your posting and the strong stand you take on the pro/con Zoo issue. After my first visit to a zoo I was crying, because all the majestic animals were housed in small cages and some of the Lions were pacing back and forth, back and forth. Even though I was a child, I felt that this was not natural for these animals. That, of course, was many years ago. Opa and I were amongst the first Visitors to the Toronto Zoo, before the little train was even running. We liked the setting and are sure that the animals are well cared for, but I am still uncomfortable and was, for instance, very excited, when the Elephants were moved to a sanctuary in California and hopefully live a happy life there. On the other hand, most children and their parents would never see the wild animals and I have to agree with you that Zoos serve a purpose to educate, preserve and remind visitors of the dangers that the animals might be extinct. Great food for thought and discussions. Thanks for a great posting. Lots of XOXOXO’s to all
Hello Oma,
It may not be natural for animals to be in cages, but zoos are fantastic for other things like education and conservation. I think today’s zoos are more advanced than previous zoos and have a better interest in the animals than making money.