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Zoological Parks Essays

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Essay on Zoo for Students and Children

500 words essay on zoo.

The world is a huge place to see. It consists of so many living organisms that it is impossible to see each and every one of them. Especially for human beings, who are fascinated very much by animals. For the same reasons, zoos were created so that humans can interact better with animals.

In other words, a zoo is a facility that has animals, birds, and reptiles of all kinds. They are confined to space where they are given food and medical facilities. The government has given strict guidelines to maintain a zoo. This is done keeping in mind the animal’s safety. In addition, zoos are made breeding grounds for animals to protect their species.

Benefits of Zoo

Zoos were made to bring wildlife closer to humans. It gave humans a better and up-close view of them. This allows various researchers and scientists to note the behavioral pattern of the animals. It helps them in their studies and discover new things.

In addition, zoos are a great source of entertainment for kids. They love visiting zoos and interacting with animals. This helps them learn practical knowledge about the animal. It also gives them exposure to wildlife and widens their knowledge.

Furthermore, zoos give us easy access to rare animals. Had it not been for zoos, we would have never been able to see what some animals looked like. We enjoy their behavior and it also creates awareness about the extinction of the rare species.

Similarly, zoos are a safe breeding ground for animals. They ensure the animal breeds so they never go extinct. This helps in creating a good balance. Moreover, the zoos ensure the animals get all the nutrition in their bodies to lead a healthy life. This is beneficial as the animal may not get guaranteed meals in the forests.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Disadvantages of Zoo

While the zoo is a great place for entertainment, it is also very exploitive. It takes advantage of the poor animals to make a profit off them. The zoos keep animals in very bad conditions. It takes unethical methods just to create revenue.

Furthermore, zoos are very unfair to animals. They take the animals out of their natural habitats just for the sake of human entertainment. Why would the animals be put into cages as humans want them to? They are voiceless creatures who are being forced to live in poor conditions. Imagine putting humans into cages so animals could come to see them. It sounds inhumane the other way around but not when we do the same to animals.

Most importantly, zoos do not take proper care of exotic animals. They bring them over in their facility despite knowing that they cannot survive in that climate. Some zoos do not take enough precautionary measures to keep the animals safe. This has resulted in so many deaths of animals that it seems cruel.

In short, though zoos are very helpful to humans and animals to an extent. They must be monitored constantly to ensure the animals are safe. The unethical zoos must be shut down at once to prevent any further loss of animals.

FAQs on Zoo

Q.1 List the advantages of Zoo

A.1 Zoos bring the wildlife close to humans. It helps researchers study them closely and discover new things. It protects rare species and provides a safe breeding ground for them as well.

Q.2 How are zoos harmful to animals?

A.2 Zoos are very harmful to animals. They take them out of their natural habitat for human entertainment. They make them stay in poor conditions due to which they also lose their life and get infections.

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Ielts sample essay -- zoos (cruel or useful) (discuss both views; give opinion).

IELTS Writing Task 2 (Essay) Question

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Some people think that zoos are cruel and all the zoos should be closed. However, others think that zoos are useful to protect rare animals. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

For a step-by-step guide on how to plan and write this essay, visit our YouTube channel: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZYptep42Go&t=115s

Sample Essay #1 

(Using 3 points arguing that zoos are useful and 1 point arguing that zoos are cruel; Conclusion: conditionally agree with the opinion that zoos are useful)

Visit to a zoo is part of fond childhood memories of almost everyone. Yet, it has become a contentious subject in recent years whether zoos serve an overall positive purpose.  Since there seem to be valid supporting arguments for both perspectives, this essay will discuss them and reach a logical conclusion based on the presented line of reasoning.

Firstly, these establishments provide a safe place for wild animals from poachers and other risks. This is especially crucial for rare and endangered species. For example, tigers and pandas are kept in different zoos across the globe because of which their numbers have grown manifold over the years.  Secondly, these zoological parks are needed by researchers and scientists to study animals.  Lastly, menageries, such as zoos, are an ideal location for edutainment. That is to say, these establishments are not only an ideal source of entertainment for people of all age groups but they are also a way to impart education to children regarding animals. As a result of visit to such places, children may feel an affinity towards animals. What is more, zoos are a brilliant means of creating awareness about environmental issues.

On the other hand, those who oppose zoos and want them to be closed assert that animals are not treated well in zoos. These animals are caged in confined spaces. The cages and enclosures are tiny compared to the natural habitat of these animals. For instance, a tiger which is one of the fastest animals is sometimes kept in small cages. Similarly, monkeys which can jump from one tree to another in seconds are at times confined to a small area with just 2-3 trees.

In conclusion, my opinion is that zoos have many benefits which have been proven over the years and they should certainly not be closed. We should, however, ensure that the animals in zoos have larger spaces where they can move about.

Sample Essay #2 

(Using 3 points arguing that zoos are useful and 3 points arguing that zoos are cruel; Conclusion: zoos are cruel)

(first two paragraphs are almost the same as the previous essay)

Firstly, these establishments provide a safe place for wild animals from poachers and other risks. This is especially crucial for rare and endangered species. For example, tigers and pandas are kept in different zoos across the globe because of which their numbers have grown manifold over the years.  Secondly, these zoological parks are needed by researchers and scientists to study animals.  Lastly, menageries, such as zoos, are an ideal location for edutainment. That is to say, these establishments are not only an ideal source of entertainment for people of all age groups but they are also a way to impart education to children regarding animals. As a result of visits to such places, children may feel an affinity towards animals. What is more, zoos are a brilliant means of creating awareness about environmental issues.

On the other hand, it is necessary to accept that no creature should be treated as if it is for the entertainment of humankind. Hence, the treatment of wild animals in zoos has to be considered as brutal as their freedom is hampered. What is worse, the animals bred in captivity are incapable of adapting to the wild environment and thus can never be released into the wild. For instance, if a chimpanzee is born in a zoo environment, it would never be able to live in a forest. This chimpanzee would not know how to live with other wild animals or find food for itself.

In conclusion, although it seems that there are quite a few positives of zoos, I strongly believe they are an atrocity and closing is the only ethical recourse.

Sample Essay #3

(Using 3 points arguing that zoos are useful and 3 points arguing that zoos are cruel; Conclusion: zoos are cruel + alternatives to benefits of zoos)

(first three paragraphs are almost the same as the previous essay)

In conclusion, although it seems that there are quite a few positives of zoos, I strongly believe they are an atrocity and closing them is the only ethical recourse. As far as education is concerned, we now have a wide range of audio-visual media for this purpose. A practical example of this is the fact that no child has ever seen a dinosaur but through movies, documentaries, animations, and museums, they are very familiar with these extinct creatures. Similarly, for research and conservation purposes, wildlife sanctuaries and national parks should be encouraged where the focus is the well-being of the animals and not the amusement of human visitors.

Different ways of writing the first paragraph for this essay

• Visit to a zoo is part of fond childhood memories of almost everyone. Yet, it has become a contentious subject in recent years whether zoos serve an overall positive purpose.
• Zoos are looked upon as an important source of edutainment where children can acquire knowledge of a variety of flora and fauna in an entertaining environment. However, in recent times, animal rights activists have raised a question over whether these zoos are in reality proof of cruelty to animals by us humans.
• Since humans are a curious race, they find different means to know about nature. One such method is to visit a zoo and observe animals in a leisurely manner. The problem is that not everyone agrees that zoos are beneficial. Actually, certain sections of society believe zoos to be establishments of cruelty towards the animals which are kept there.
• Should zoos be encouraged because they serve a useful purpose or should they be shut down because animals in zoos are treated inhumanely? This has become a contentious subject in recent times which deserves serious thought and discussion.

Different ways of writing the topic sentence (first sentence of second paragraph)  for this essay

• There are many ways through which zoos are beneficial.
• The useful impact of zoos have long been known.
• The useful benefits of zoos have long been known.
• Many past generations have advocated the benefits of zoos.
• There are a number of useful applications of zoos.

Different ways of writing the conclusion for this essay

• Conditionally agree Both sides have valid arguments in their favour because of which, in my opinion, zoos are important but we need to ensure that the animals there are treated humanely.
• More points for one side than the other Although there are a few reasons to support the closing of zoos, the arguments for the benefits of zoos are more. Therefore, in my opinion, zoos are helpful to society and should remain open. However, it should be ensured that the animals in zoos are treated humanely.  

Step 1: Read & understand the question

Step 2: Plan the answer (points for both views)

Step 3: Think about the vocabulary

Step 4: Write

Step 5: Revise

Basic format/template:

Paragraph 1 : Introduction

•        General statement (optional)

•        Paraphrasing of the question

•        This essay will discuss both the opinions before reaching a conclusion based on the arguments presented.

Paragraph 2 (body paragraph 1): Discuss one viewpoint

•        Topic sentence (E.g., There are a number of reasons to support this opinion)

•        Beginning phrases (Firstly/To begin with); Supporting points (Secondly/Thirdly; Moreover/Furthermore)

Paragraph 3 (body paragraph 2): Discuss the other viewpoint

•        Topic sentence (E.g., On the other hand, the opposing viewpoint can also have valid supporting arguments)

•        Supporting points

Paragraph 4 : Conclusion

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16 Biggest Advantages and Disadvantages of Zoos

A zoological garden, which is sometimes referred to as an animal park or a menagerie, is a facility which houses animals within an enclosure and displays them to the public in a manner that is safe for everyone involved. Most of us referred to these parks as a zoo. The first modern one was opened in 1828 for scientific study in London, and then eventually became open to the public about 30 years later.

Over 180 million people visit zoos in the United States each year. There are thousands of them around the world, with every continent except Antarctica hosting at least one.

Not only can we benefit from the experience of learning about new animals and their habitats by visiting a zoo, but it also gives families an opportunity to spend time together while enjoying the outdoors. This advantage comes at the expense of the animals which are forced to spend their lives in an enclosure. Although there are efforts to replicate a wild habitat, a small display area is hardly the same as being free to roam.

There are additional pros and cons of zoos that are essential to consider as well.

List of the Pros of Zoos

1. Zoos have a significant financial benefit for their communities. A report out of George Mason University found that zoos associated with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums employed almost 40,000 people. For every $1 million spent by zoos on their operational outlays, there were nearly 30 jobs supported. Another 23 jobs were supported for every $1 million that zoos spent on construction projects. That created a total economic output in the United States of more than $17 billion per year, with $2.4 billion in spending and $5.4 billion in personal earnings on top of that figure.

The indirect spending that zoos provide for their communities are significant as well, adding another 62,000 jobs across the United States to support visitors.

2. A zoo can provide a protected environment for rare and endangered species. Animal products like elephant tusks or shark fins create a financial market where the health and welfare of a species is secondary to the profits which are possible. Some species have been poached to near extinction because of this market. By having these animals in zoos, there is another layer of protection given to these hunted species so that their survival chances are greater.

That hasn’t stopped some poachers from breaking into zoos to harvest what they want, but it is preventing the levels of harm that we have seen in the past. Because poaching activities qualify as criminal conduct, most attempts are thwarted.

3. These facilities can provide an educational resource to their community. Most zoos got their start because local scientists wanted to get to know wild and exotic species better. Although the initial methods of retrieval were brutal, sometimes killing the parents to take the young one back for study, the overall goal was to extend human knowledge. This emphasis is still present today, with many facilities offering educational programs, behind-the-scenes tours, and various activities which encourage visitors to learn more about the animals which live there.

You will also see the staff members from local zoos making presentations at local schools and businesses to raise awareness for what they do. Specific programs at the zoological grounds encourage visitors to interact with the animals in unique ways. Although not everyone can afford a visit to their local zoo, there are still plenty of ways to learn more about the various animals who share this planet with us.

4. We can protect some of the rarest animals in the world in zoos. If you visit the Audubon Nature Institute in New Orleans, then you can see a rare white alligator. About 15 out of the 5 million animals currently alive are believed to have this rare condition that changes the color of their skin. When you visit the Memphis Zoo, then you can see an Okapi. The Red Panda can be found in St. Louis, and there are fewer than 10,000 of them in the world today.

Additional rare animals which receive protection in U.S. zoos include the Addax, Amur tiger, Borneo elephant, and the Pacific walrus.

5. Animals receive care from specialized trainers in zoos. Zoos provide specialized care for the animals that are kept on the grounds. Instead of keeping them in small cages, there is an effort to replicate the natural habitat to accommodate the natural instincts of each animal. Each person in a caretaker role is highly educated, trained to know the mannerisms, health needs, and characteristics of the animal to ensure the highest levels of safety. These efforts have created a significant reduction in the number of attacks and accidents that occur.

The animals are given special activities and nutrition that works with their instincts as well to give them the most natural existence possible. Although these efforts do not entirely replicate migration or hunting, it does reduce the amount of boredom that occurs during their stay in the zoo. These efforts have helped to reduce the risks of premature death in many species as well.

6. Zoos are regularly inspected and accredited for the services they provide. Zoos receive regular inspections on multiple levels to ensure they are in compliance with care and safety regulations. Careful supervision of policies and procedures allows for trainers, visitors, and the animals to maintain a higher level of safety in every facet of care. If zoos are unable to maintain standards of cleanliness, animal engagement, and habitat structure, then the facility can lose its accreditation and ability to operate.

The animals would then be transferred to zoos where the proper care would be given to them. Because there isn’t a monetary transaction that occurs, there is no way for the non-profit organization providing supports for the zoo to recoup their losses. If they don’t follow the rules, they essentially go out of business.

7. Most zoos use veterinarians and work with professionals from degree programs. The Smithsonian Zoo is one example of many that works with local institutions to build programs at every post-graduate level to ensure the future safety of animals. There are residency programs, veterinarian internships, and a variety of other educational opportunities which allow for a high level of treatment for the conditions which may development.

You can find animal treatment teams including specialists, pathologies, and trainers to ensure that every care plan is followed to the letter. Quarantine procedures are part of the zoo’s overall structure as well. The overall goal always remains the same; to ensure the best possible care for every animal in care.

List of the Cons of Zoos

1. Zoos are often used to exploit people, animals, and even communities. Did you know that one of the first zoological gardens in the Western Hemisphere featured humans instead of animals? This first effort displayed people who had different physical traits that were unusual – something similar to the “freak shows” of the traveling circuses in the 19th and early 20th century. Even the Catholic Church got involved with this effort at displaying people in cages, maintaining facilities deep into the 16th century.

Humans as part of zoological exhibitions did not fully stop until the early 20th century. Ota Benga was part of an exhibit in the Bronx and in St. Louis, purchased by a Christian missionary who wanted to put African people into an exhibition. Now some would argue we do the same thing with animals or try to hold communities hostage because of the potential financial gains that a well-run zoo can provide.

2. It changes the lifespan of the animals held in captivity. Even when you take into consideration the educational benefits that come with a zoo, the fact is that most wild animals do not adapt well to confined circumstances. It places enormous pressure on the mental health of many species, causing them to live much shorter lives than they would in the wild. The difference can be as much as 50% when comparing the lifespan of a wild species compared to one kept in a zoo.

Orcas can live for more than a century on their own, but when you keep them in captivity, the average lifespan for a male is less than 20 years. National Geographic notes that elephants can live for up to 70 years when they live in protected areas of the wild in Africa or Asia, while those kept in zoos is just 17 years for African elephants born into captivity.

3. Zoos are losing their influence on the educational industry. When the first modern zoo was established in London in the 19th century, the purpose was purely scientific. Even when these facilities began to open to the general public, the purpose was still to provide an educational resource to the community. Although there are some around the world which continue to place their primary emphasis on teaching, research, and saving endangered species, more facilities are focused on the entertainment experience instead.

Visiting the zoo requires people to have respect for the fences, borders, and safety enclosures that separate the animals from their trainers, keepers, and families. When an incident causes an individual to fall into the enclosure of a wild animal, the facility will usually save the person by killing the animal.

4. It changes the behavior of the animal. The behavior of animals will change when they encounter long periods of captivity. This disadvantage occurs because there is no longer a need to hunt for their survival. Even injured animals can encounter this problem if their recovery time is lengthy. Being stuck in the same enclosure every day also disrupts the natural migratory patterns of the species, which can have a dramatic impact on their mental health.

Elephants become more aggressive when they are unable to travel and explore, which is caused zookeepers to euthanize almost 100 individuals in the past decade because of the danger they caused to others. Predatory animals encounter a similar problem when they are kept in a zoo as well, even if there is no way to safely introduce them back into the wild.

5. Animals can become dependent on the facilities. Animals which are born in captivity can often adapt to their circumstances if given enough time, but they will still encounter the lifespan issues of their parents. That problem will not go away no matter how many generations remain in captivity. What we see is a process that eventually leads towards domestication, which is why it is a struggle for injured or wild animals to finish out their lives in a zoo.

When dealing with a predator species in particular, any children born in captivity cannot be released into the wild because they have no hunting or survival instincts. That means a cycle of dependency begins that requires ongoing resources to maintain because that animal has no ability to live on its own.

6. Zoos are ultimately a business that needs to make money. Przewalski’s horse is a success story for zoos because this species was believed to be extinct in the wild. Only a dozen individuals were left in one facility by the 1940s, but their numbers are now in the thousands today because of the conservation programs that were initiated to save them. There are now wild herds in Europe and Mongolia, closely monitored by scientists, which are thriving.

Zoos can do an excellent job at conservation if they make the effort, but far too often profit is the primary motivation. When animals move from zoo to zoo, trading money or other resources in exchange for another display opportunity to the local population, then it is our welfare we are concerned about instead of theirs.

7. The best natural habitat enclosures are a poor substitute for the real thing. Some animals travel more than 50 miles per day as they wander about their wild habitat. The actual territory of some individuals and packs may be over 300 miles in width. When you keep the animal in a zoo instead, then they might have 1,500 square feet to roam, and sometimes even less. Even the Greater Vancouver Zoo, which seeks to replicate the natural environment for their animals, cannot supply a large enough space to accommodate these natural behaviors.

Some elephant herds in the wild can grow to become 40 members strong. When we look at zoo management, it is not unusual to take calves away from their mothers before they fully mature simply because there is a new marketing opportunity available somewhere else.

8. Some zoos are unable to care for their animals. If you wanted to visit the San Diego Zoo in 2019, then a one-day pass for an adult will set you back $50. Kids 12 and up qualify for the adult rate. A child’s ticket is going to cost you $46. If you have four kids that you want to take there for the day, then you could be out $300 before you take your first step onto the grounds. Even those prices are not enough to keep the zoo financially solid.

The San Diego Zoo offers an annual Gala fundraiser were tickets begin at $450 each, while preferred seating options are priced at $900. You will find employer matching, tribute gifts, exhibition sponsorship, and financial wildlife adoptions are all part of their financial picture each year as well. Most zoos struggle to survive, which means the animals kept in those facilities are also at risk.

9. Even the best zoos can have animals develop severe health problems. Animals need to be kept in temperate zones which are similar to their natural habitat if they have any hope of being successful in the zoo. Elephants don’t do well when they are kept in locations that are cold and snowy. Polar bears don’t do well in tropical locations, even when they receive ice as a coping mechanism for the climate. Their health degrades rapidly when conditions are not favorable to them, sometimes even incapacitating the animal under extreme circumstances.

Verdict on the Pros and Cons of Zoos

There are times when a zoo is absolutely necessary to the survival of the animal. Then there are the circumstances where we try to profit off of their circumstances. We might be talking about animals who may not have the same level of conscious thought as humans, but how we treat other species says more about who we are than it does about the animals we keep.

Zoos can excel when they have the proper funding to meet the needs of their animal population. They must have staff present at all times who understand what it takes to have a safe experience. Even highly trained people miss an open lock or find themselves in dangerous circumstances with predatory animals, so there is always some level of risk involved.

The pros and cons of zoos are often dependent on whether you view an animal as property or an independent individual. There are times when wild animals should stay that way. When that possibility is no longer a choice, then this option might be the next best thing.

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In this IELTS Zoo Essay you have to discuss whether you think zoos are cruel and should be shut down or whether they are useful as they protect some wild animals.

Essays on zoos have appeared in the IELTS test before and this was a question that was recently in the test.

Some people think that 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.

Understanding the Question

You must always read the question carefully and note if there is anything restricting the topic.

You have to discuss both sides of the argument and with this zoo essay question it would be very easy to read it and then simply write about the benefits and drawbacks of zoos.

But look at this bit carefully:

• Others however believe that zoos can be useful in protecting wild animals .

One of the arguments is specifically about protecting animals. So when you discuss the second argument you must be careful not to just write generally about the advantage of zoos. 

You have to focus on how they may protect wild animals . So when you brainstorm your ideas for the zoo essay, you should be thinking about:

• why animals need protecting and
• how zoos can help with this 

And in your other body paragraph you would need to explain why they are also seen as cruel. 

And of course you must remember to give your own opinion. In this essay, the author makes it clear at the beginning that they support the closing down of zoos. 

The opinion you decide on though is of course your choice.

Zoo Essay Sample

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.

Write at least 250 words.

Zoo Essay Model Answer

Zoos remain popular places for people to visit for entertainment and to learn about wild animals. Although some people are of the opinion that zoos can provide a sanctuary for endangered animals and so should be kept open, I believe that the cruelty that animals suffer outweighs this benefit, and that they should be shut down.

These days, animals are under threat from humans in many ways, seen for example in the way that their habitats are being destroyed through the cutting down of rain forests, or through poaching. Following on from this, the argument is that zoos can protect some of these animals that are under threat. The reason is that they are in a safe environment managed by trained staff who can ensure the animals are looked after and can produce offspring. There are examples of successes in this respect, such as with Pandas, which have been endangered for many years but have been protected.

However, there are more convincing arguments for why zoos should be shut down. Firstly, even though some species are under threat, there are lots of animals which do not fall into this category and who are there just for the entertainment of visitors. While it may be fun and educational to see them, animals are not meant to be caged, and their distress can often be seen in the way many of them pace back and forwards all day. Not only this, if the prime reason of zoos is to protect animals, this could be done in other environments such as wild life parks where the animals have more freedom.

In conclusion, animals should be protected but this does not have to be in zoos. Zoos are cruel to animals, not similar enough to their natural habitat, and they should be closed down. 

(299 Words)

Band scores are given for task response, coherence and cohesion, lexis (vocabulary) and grammatical range and accuracy. 

This zoo essay would get a good score for task response as it fully answers the question by discussing both opinions and giving a personal opinion. Ideas are also well explained, extended and supported. 

It would get a good score for coherence and cohesion as it is organised coherently and logically and is easy to follow. The introduction introduces the topic then there is a thesis statement.

One body paragraph discusses one side of the argument, and the other discusses the other side. The second body paragraph is also the writers opinion, and this is summarised again in the conclusion

.There is some interesting vocabulary and phrases. For example:

• sanctuary for endangered animals
• under threat from humans
• habitats are being destroyed
• produce offspring
• successes in this respect
• not meant to be caged
• natural habitat

There are also some good complex grammatical constructions and the grammar is precise. For example, the red words show that some of these are  adverbial clauses ,  noun clauses  and  relative clauses :

• Although  some people are of the opinion  that  zoos can provide a sanctuary for endangered animals...
• ...seen for example  in the way that  their habitats are being destroyed...
• ...the argument is  that  zoos can protect some of these animals who are under threat.
• ...trained staff  who  can ensure the animals are looked after...
• Pandas  who  have been endangered...
• ... even though  some species are under threat...
• ... While  it may be fun and educational...

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Are Zoos Good or Bad for Animals? The Argument, Explained

Debates about the ethics of zoos abound — but when it comes to animal welfare, there are certainly more cons than pros.

Explainer • Entertainment • Policy

Words by Björn Ólafsson

For many people, zoos are the only chance they’ll have in their entire lives to see beautiful animals native to far-flung ecosystems — lions, elephants, pandas, lemurs — the list goes on. And they’re popular — over 181 million people visit a U.S. zoo every year . But zoos face criticism from animal welfare organizations and environmental activists for inhumane treatment of the animals they claim to protect. Zoos maintain that they are important aspects of conservation and education. 

So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of zoos ?  Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of these controversial organizations. 

What Are Some Pros and Cons of Zoos ?

First, not all zoos are created equal. While it is easy to imagine animal ethics as a binary of evil and moral, zoos can vary widely on how they treat their animals, how much space they are given and how the animals are obtained. Still, most zoos tend to have the same positives and negatives overall. 

Arguments Against Zoos

Poor conditions for animals.

Animals Often Only Have Quite Limited Space

Many zoos’ enclosures are too small, especially for animal species that are used to roaming, flying or swimming large distances in the wild. For example, polar bears are used to home ranges of about 1,000 square kilometers in the wild — large swaths of land and ice they enjoy exploring . In zoos, they get a couple hundred square feet. 

Zoos Are  Crowded

In addition to limited space, many zoos cram in as many animals as possible into the enclosures. Many visitors prefer seeing animals up close, instead of peering at them from afar, hidden in their dens or nests. This encourages zoos to increase the number of animals per exhibit,  increasing the likelihood of visitors seeing animals on the move near the boundaries of the enclosure. 

Animals Are Trapped in Unnatural Environments

Anyone who has visited a zoo knows the exhibits are a far cry from the natural landscape they are trying to imitate. Nearly all zoo enclosures contain fences, glass or other barriers for visitors to look through, which are inherently artificial. And the natural-seeming landscapes can sometimes be made out of astroturf, concrete or plastic.

Confinement May Alter the Behavior of Animals

The lack of space, unnatural environments and crowded conditions can directly affect the behavior of animals ; most notably in the form of what’s known as “stereotypy.” Stereotypy is a condition in which non-human animals engage in repetitive behaviors with no apparent purpose, such as pacing for hours on end, wagging tails abnormally or picking their own fur. 

The structure of zoos increases the likelihood of stereotypic behavior due to a lack of enrichment, mundane environments and boring, repetitive schedules. This prevalence of stereotypy in zoos even has its own name: “zoochosis,” or psychosis caused by zoos . 

‘Surplus’ Animals Can Be Killed

After an animal has reproduced successfully and the zoo no longer requires the animal to maintain an exhibit, the animal is deemed “surplus.” At this point, the animal’s welfare is no longer profitable . Zoos can sell the animal to private owners (who may keep the animal in tiny cages for amusement or kill the animal for taxidermy purposes), sell the animal to other zoos or enclosures, or “euthanize” the animal. 

Animals Are Often Mistreated 

Animal mistreatment is much more than hitting or beating an animal. It also includes harmful training techniques, separation from family members and forcing animals to behave in abnormal ways. 

In a report from World Animal Protection, three-fourths of zoos include human-animal interactions , many of which can be very stressful or physically harmful for animals. In some extreme cases, visitors rode on the backs of animals (causing injury) or encroached on the animals’ enclosure (causing stress).

Investigations into popular zoos sometimes reveal that caretakers don’t always clean the exhibits frequently , leaving the animals to live near their feces. The research also reveals many zookeepers hitting animals who “misbehave,” and not helping animals with injuries sustained in the enclosures. While not all animal caretakers behave this way, the reporting suggests many zoos around the world are lax with animal welfare. 

Animals Don’t Like Being Visited

The mere presence of human beings can negatively affect wild animals, especially in massive crowds that are common at zoos. Being bombarded by the sounds, smells and appearances of swaths of humans can trigger the stress responses of some animals . Some studies show that the number of visitors correlates with the amount of stress hormones in many animal species. 

Animals Struggle to Form Connections

Many animals are highly social creatures. Elephants, lions, pigs, cows and many more species are shown to have complex connections, hierarchies and relationships with members of their own kind — especially with friends and family. However, zoo animals rarely stay with the same herd or family for their entire lives. Instead, zoos opt to transfer, sell, buy or relocate animals throughout their lifespans, making it difficult for animals to form social connections . This lack of bonding can harm the animals emotionally. 

Zoos Are for Humans, Not Animals

Most zoos are for-profit enterprises, meaning they have one goal in mind: maximizing revenue. It is easy to see how making more money can come at the expense of animal welfare. For example, a zoo is unlikely to fund an exhibit expansion if it isn’t cost-effective, regardless of its benefits for the animals inside. While many zookeepers form real bonds with their animal companions, the animals still exist under a for-profit, human-centered organization. 

Zoos Promote Human Superiority

The aesthetic nature of zoos — animals in panopticon-like enclosures, viewed 24/7 by members of a different species — can reinforce human superiority. As moral philosopher Lori Gruen writes in her book, “visitors leave the zoo more convinced than ever of human superiority over the natural world.” Of course, zoos also reinforce the idea that humans have a right to take away animals’ freedom and bodily autonomy.

Zoos Don’t Always Help with Conservation — Some Wild Animals Have to Be Caught to Bring Them to Zoos

Many animals in zoos are born in captivity, but that’s not the case for all. Many animals are taken directly from the wild , often when they are babies, to make the transition to captivity a bit easier. At times, this is done in the name of conservation, or when a wild animal is very ill. But many zoos will take animals from the wild, or buy animals from unethical animal traders. 

It’s Often Not Possible to Return Animals to the Wild

Releasing an animal into the wild isn’t always successful, especially if the animal has spent time in climates different from their native regions, like jungles, savannas or ice caps. Properly preparing animals for success in the wild is a multi-stage process that can require thousands of dollars — and it doesn’t always work . Captive-born predator species — disadvantaged by being born and raised in an artificial environment — only have a survival rate after being released into the wild of 33 percent , according to one study. As a result, re-release is not a priority for many zoos.

Zoos Are Poorly Regulated

While there exist many laws that protect animals, such as the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and the Endangered Species Act , they only offer minimum protections . For example, the AWA excludes entire species of animals, like mice, farmed animals, birds and all cold-blooded animals. Its “minimum” standards of care usually ensure the animals’ safety, not their welfare or happiness. Many animal law experts say these regulations don’t go far enough . 

What Are the Pros of Having Zoos?

They Can Be Important for Researchers

Biologists and zoologists can benefit from studying animals in zoos. Some breakthroughs in animal behavior and treatment, like why elephants swing their trunks or how gorillas develop heart disease, have been made possible because of zoos’ ease of access . However, not all animals behave the same in captivity as they do in the wild, so not all research is possible in zoos. 

Zoos Are Educational — People May Behave “Eco-friendlier” After Going To the Zoo

Zoos can kickstart individuals’ interest in biodiversity, which is a critical aspect of environmental protection. Many zoos include calls to action in their exhibits, highlighting how endangered animals are being poached, driven away, or otherwise killed by human activity. This can inspire some people to behave more conscientiously. One limited survey found that 35 percent of eco-friendly people learned sustainable behavior from zoos . ‘

Zoos Can Help Educate Children About Animals

Zoos are a quintessential school experience for many young people. Children love learning about animals up-close in a safe environment — in fact, education is possibly the biggest advantage of modern zoos. Many programs, like school presentations, guided tours, informational exhibits, and talks with zookeepers can trigger a lifelong love of animals in children .  

But zoos aren’t perfect in this regard. According to a study of zoo visitors in the UK, only 34 percent of children learned more about animals at zoos (the result was slightly better when the children were given  a guided tour). Worse, children did not feel empowered to help with conservation efforts after visiting a zoo. This suggests that if zoos care about education, they need to more actively reach out to schoolchildren for empowerment and education. 

Going to the Zoo Is Affordable

More ethical ways of engaging with animals without removing them from their natural habitats — like whale watching, safaris, hikes, or excursions — are usually expensive or inaccessible for many people. Zoos tend to be relatively cheap for the average family that wants to learn about animals. 

Conservation

Zoos Can Protect Endangered Species from Extinction

Zoos often claim they can protect entire species from extinction through conservation programs that involve breeding more animals in captivity and then releasing them into the wild. This is especially important for endangered species like pandas. 

While these conservation efforts are truly important, they don’t represent the majority of a zoo’s activities, nor are zoos leaders in conservation worldwide. At the National Zoo, for example, only one-fifth of animals are endangered . In North America, zoos only contribute about 14 percent of all animals reintroduced into the wild as part of a conservation program. Zoos also tend to focus on headline-grabbing endangered animals to bring in visitors, like pandas, elephants or tigers, as opposed to lesser-known but crucial species, like tamarins, kakapos or wombats. 

Are Zoos Good or Bad for the Environment?

Zoos claim to support global biodiversity through conservation efforts like protecting endangered animals. This is somewhat true, although it varies greatly from zoo to zoo. 

On the other hand, zoos are big polluters and use up lots of resources , especially energy and water . Aquariums in particular use tons and tons of water. Zoo animals also generate waste that may or may not be composted or disposed of correctly.

Should Zoos Exist or Be Banned?

Given the many ways that zoos are unethical to animals, the flawed attempts to contribute to conservation, and the positioning of humans as superior to animals, many animal ethicists believe zoos should not exist — or at least, not exist in their current form . 

For example, animal philosopher Dale Jamieson says in his book Ethics on the Ark that zoos primarily “alleviate our sense of guilt for what we are doing to the planet, but they do little to help the animals we are driving to extinction.” He continues to argue that zoos exist for humans alone , and that it is very difficult to wave away the inherent immorality of depriving animals their liberty for the sake of human amusement. 

Instead, private conservation programs can benefit endangered animals without showcasing them to the public. Animal sanctuaries, which are  areas of land in which endangered and other animals are protected by humans, are also advantageous for both individual animals and global biodiversity . 

Zoos do have advantages — fostering curiosity and education chief among them. But experts believe there are other ways of accomplishing these goals without resorting to zoos with tiny enclosures. Excursions, nature documentaries, safaris, local gardens, hikes, boat tours and other ways of interacting with nature don’t involve taking animals out of their natural habitats. 

The Bottom Line

If you do choose to visit a zoo, opt for zoos that have certifications from independent animal welfare organizations. If you are interested in animal conservation, you’d be more impactful donating to a non-zoo animal protection organization instead. And if you do want to visit animals, consider an animal sanctuary or an ethical safari, where you can see animals in their native environments.

Independent Journalism Needs You

Björn Jóhann Ólafsson is a science writer and journalist who cares deeply about understanding the natural world and her inhabitants through stories and data. He reports on the environmental footprint of the meat industry, the alternative protein sector and cultural attitudes around food. His previous bylines include the EU Observer and Elemental. He lives in Spain with his two lovebirds.

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ENCYCLOPEDIC ENTRY

A zoo is a place where animals live in captivity and are put on display for people to view. The word “zoo” is short for “zoological park."

Biology, Social Studies, World History

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A zoo is a place where animals live in captivity and are put on display for people to view. The word “ zoo ” is short for “ zoological park.” Zoos contain wide varieties of animals that are native to all parts of the Earth. Though people have kept wild animals for thousands of years, those collections have not always resembled modern zoos . The first zoos were created as private collections by the wealthy to show their power. These private collections were called menageries . Wall carvings found in Egypt and Mesopotamia are evidence that rulers and aristocrats created menageries as early as 2500 BCE. They left records of expeditions to distant places to bring back exotic animals such as giraffes, elephants, bears, dolphins, and birds. There is evidence that ancient zoo owners hired animal handlers to make sure their animals thrived and reproduced . Zoos also existed in later civilizations , including China, Greece, and Rome. The Aztec emperor Montezuma II , in what is today Mexico, maintained one of the earliest animal collections in the Western Hemisphere . It was destroyed by Hernan Cortes during the Spanish conquest in 1520. Modern Zoos The model of the modern, public zoo became popular in 18th century, during the Age of Enlightenment . The Age of Enlightenment was a period in European history when science , reason , and logic were promoted as ideals of society and government . The scientific focus of the Age of Enlightenment extended to zoology . During this time, people started wanting to study animals for scientific reasons . Scientists wanted to research animal behavior and anatomy . To do this, scientists and zookeepers had to keep animals in places that were close to, or resembled , the animals’ natural habitats . The first modern zoo , built in 1793, opened in Paris, France. The menageries of French aristrocrats, including the king and queen, were taken by leaders of the French Revolution and relocated to the Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes. The facility is still a busy and popular zoo in downtown Paris. Early zoos like the Menagerie du Jardin des Plantes were more like museums of living animals than natural habitats . Animals were kept in small display areas, with as many species as space would allow. Today, zoos are meant to entertain and educate the public but have a strong emphasis on scientific research and species conservation . There is a trend toward giving animals more space and recreating natural habitats . Zoos are usually regulated and inspected by the government . Types of Zoos Urban and Suburban Zoos Urban zoos , located in large cities, still resemble the smaller zoos that were popular 200 years ago. Often, these zoos sit in the middle of cities, making expansion difficult. There is little room for urban zoos to grow, and many of the zoo ’s buildings are historic landmarks that cannot be destroyed or redesigned. In many urban zoos , animals are kept in relatively small enclosures . Some animal activists argue that keeping animals in urban settings is cruel because of cramped conditions, noise, and pollution. Urban zoos are common in Europe, while many zoos in the United States developed as sprawling parks in suburbs outside cities. These open-range zoos give animals more territory to roam and provide more natural habitats . This popular technique of building realistic habitats is called landscape immersion . The San Diego Zoo , in southern California, is the largest zoo in the United States. It is a sub urban zoo that houses more than 4,000 animals (800 different species) in its 0.4 square kilometers (100 acres). Landscape immersion divides animals into their natural habitats , such as the tundra (with reindeer and polar bears) or bamboo forest (featuring pandas.) The San Diego Zoo also includes a wild animal park, which is even more expansive (almost 8 square kilometers or 2,000 acres.) Safari Parks Larger than urban and open-range zoos , safari parks are areas where tourists can drive their own cars to see non-native wildlife living in large, enclosed areas. These attractions allow the animals more space than the small enclosures of traditional zoos . Fuji Safari Park , in Susono, Japan, offers a traditional zoo as well as a drive-through safari park . Visitors can take their own cars or one of the park’s buses. Fuji Safari Park offers night tours, so visitors can see nocturnal animals, or animals that are active at night. At the park, visitors can also feed some animals, such as lions, from bus windows. Not all parks encourage or even allow visitors to feed animals.

Safari parks , especially in Europe, are often part of larger theme parks or resorts . They include golf courses and fairground attractions, such as games and rides. Game Reserves Game reserves are large swaths of land whose ecosystems and native species are protected. The protections allow animals to live and reproduce at natural rates. Animals are allowed to roam free. In the 1800s, a trip to hunt “ big game ” (large animals such as elephants or lions) was called a safari . While some game reserves allow traditional hunting safaris today, others limit visitors to a “photo safari ,” where visitors can shoot photographs, not animals. Animals in all game reserves are protected from illegal hunting , which is a threat to many endangered species . Legal hunts are regulated by the government . Hunters must purchase licenses and are strictly limited to the type and number of animals they can hunt . Poachers , or hunters without licenses, kill animals for valuable body parts. Elephants, for example, are killed by poachers for their ivory tusks. There are game reserves in Asia, the Americas, and Australia. However, most game reserves are in Africa. Millions of visitors flock to sites across Africa to see the same animals that captivated audiences thousands of years ago. The biggest attractions are Africa’s “ Big Five ” species—lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants, and water buffalo. The Big Five are not Africa’s largest species (although the elephant is): They are the most difficult to find and, when legal, to hunt . Only recently has a single zoo , Gondwana Game Reserve in South Africa, offered all Big Five animals in one place. Gondwana sits on 10,000 hectares (24,710 acres) near the center of South Africa’s southern coast . Like many large game reserves , Gondwana has diverse ecosystems that occur naturally and has no need for landscape immersion . In Gondwana, grasslands coexist with shrubland called fynbos . Visitors to Gondwana, like many game reserves , can stay in hotels right in the park. Petting zoos Petting zoos feature domesticated animals that are gentle enough for children to pet and feed. Sheep, goats, donkeys, and rabbits are common petting zoo animals. These types of zoos are found at parks and inside of larger zoos . Sometimes mobile petting zoos travel with fairs or carnivals from city to city. Specialization Most zoos have specialized enclosures and habitats for specific animals. Zoos in cold climates , such as Novosibirsk, Russia, must recreate warm ecosystems for animals like lemurs . Lemurs are a type of primate native to the island of Madagascar, off Africa’s east coast . The summer temperatures of both Siberia and Madagascar are about the same—around 21 degrees Celsius (70 degrees Fahrenheit). However, Madagascar receives about 200 to 250 millimeters (8 to 10 inches) of rain each summer, making it a humid jungle environment. Novosibirsk gets just 60 to 65 millimeters (2 to 3 inches) of rain and snow. The difference in winter temperatures is even more drastic : Madagascar is about 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit). Lemurs ’ fur can keep them warm at this temperature . Winter in Novosibirsk is -10 degrees Celsius (13 degrees Fahrenheit). The Novosibirsk Zoo has two species of lemur with a specialized heated enclosure with high humidity . Some zoos are dedicated entirely to certain species. Aquariums are types of zoos that exclusively house aquatic animals. The Sydney Aquarium in Australia has exhibits of all of Australia’s major water systems and is home to more than 650 native Australian species. Aviaries and bird parks are another type of specialized zoo . The Jurong Bird Park in Singapore has more than 8,000 birds of 600 species from around the world. Jurong has more than 1,000 flamingoes in an African wetlands exhibit that features a daily simulated thunderstorm . Conservation The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums , the international organization for zoos , is concerned with the health of animals in zoos . The focus of environmental efforts takes the form of research , captive breeding of rare animals, and conservation . Researchers at zoos can study animals up-close. They can observe behavior such as mating and nutrition choices. Biologists and veterinarians are also available to treat sick or injured animals. Captive breeding of endangered species makes zoos valuable places for animal survival. Animals such as the black soft-shelled turtle, native to India and Bangladesh, are extinct in the wild . But they survive in several zoos around the world, with their health looked after by biologists .

The goal of many captive breeding programs at zoos is the re-introduction of animals into the wild. The California condor , a very large bird native to the west coast of the United States, has been re-introduced to its native habitat after breeding in zoos and wildlife parks. There are several breeding pairs of California condors in the wild today. Critics of captive breeding programs say that releasing a few animals into the wild does little to help the species population. Animals are extinct in the wild largely due to loss of habitat . The re-introduction of animals, especially large mammals that require vast territory for survival, does nothing to recover lost habitat . People continue to develop land for homes and businesses. Zoos often have conservation projects in the native habitats of the animals they keep in captivity. For instance, the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums established a partnership with people in rural Papua New Guinea to save tree kangaroos . These rare species are threatened by loss of habitat and the growing population of Papua New Guinea: Villagers hunt the tree kangaroo for meat. A zoo program introduced a rabbit-farming program to address the nutritional needs of the villagers. Zoos also set up conservation sites where the hunting of tree kangaroos was outlawed. While zoos have put more importance on conservation and humane animal treatment in recent decades, some critics say it is cruel to keep animals in captivity. Critics argue that living in captivity takes away wild animals’ natural behavior and instincts . Supporters of zoos say they play an important role in protecting endangered species .

Modern Menageries People still enjoy collecting animals to display in their private homes. The American entertainer Michael Jackson, for instance, had a menagerie that included tigers, giraffes, parrots, and, of course, his pet chimpanzee, Bubbles. The Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar kept an enormous private zoo that included elephants, buffalo, and camels. Some of Escobar's hippopotamuses, native to Africa, escaped into the Colombian jungle. After Escobar's death, the rest of the animals were sold or donated to zoos around the world.

City of Brotherly Animals The first zoo in the United States opened in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1874. The Philadelphia Zoo remains one of the most important zoos and facilities for breeding rare and endangered animals.

Zoo-Literacy Many books of fiction, nonfiction, and historical fiction concern zoos. Life of Pi is a novel by Canadian author Yann Martel. The father of the main character, Pi, is a zookeeper at the Pondicherry Zoo in India. When traveling across the Pacific Ocean, from India to Toronto, Canada, the boat carrying Pi, his family, and all the animals of the zoo sinks. The only survivors, alone on a lifeboat in the middle of the ocean, are Pi and the zoo's Bengal tiger, whose name is Richard Parker. Faithful Elephants: A True Story of Animals, People, and War is a nonfiction book written by Yukio Tsuchiya and illustrated by Ted Levin. The book tells the story of three elephants of the Uneo Zoo in Tokyo, Japan, in the time leading up to World War II. Pride of Baghdad is a graphic novel written by Brian K. Vaughn and illustrated by Niko Henrichon. The factual story, of lions that escaped from the Baghdad Zoo as the war in Iraq began, is told from the lions' point of view.

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100 Zoo Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Zoos are fascinating places that offer a unique opportunity to observe and learn about a wide variety of animals from all over the world. If you're tasked with writing an essay about zoos, you might be struggling to come up with a topic that is both interesting and informative. To help you out, here are 100 zoo essay topic ideas and examples that you can use as inspiration for your next assignment:

• The ethical implications of keeping animals in zoos
• The role of zoos in conservation efforts
• The impact of zoos on animal behavior
• The history of zoos and how they have evolved over time
• The benefits of zoos for education and research
• The controversy surrounding captive breeding programs in zoos
• The importance of zoos in preserving endangered species
• The challenges of managing a zoo and caring for its animals
• The role of zoos in promoting awareness of wildlife conservation issues
• The impact of zoos on local communities and economies
• The role of zoos in promoting animal welfare and ethics
• The debate over whether zoos should exist in the modern world
• The cultural significance of zoos in different societies
• The impact of climate change on zoos and their animal populations
• The role of zoos in public education and outreach programs
• The challenges of balancing conservation efforts with visitor experiences in zoos
• The impact of captivity on animal behavior and well-being in zoos
• The role of zoos in promoting environmental awareness and sustainability
• The ethics of using animals in zoo entertainment shows and performances
• The impact of zoos on biodiversity and ecosystem health
• The role of zoos in promoting animal rights and welfare legislation
• The impact of zoo closures and budget cuts on animal populations
• The challenges of reintroducing captive-bred animals into the wild
• The role of zoos in supporting local wildlife conservation efforts
• The benefits of zoos for public health and well-being
• The impact of zoos on visitor attitudes towards wildlife conservation
• The role of zoos in promoting sustainable tourism practices
• The challenges of managing invasive species in zoos
• The impact of zoo design and architecture on animal welfare
• The role of zoos in promoting cultural exchange and understanding
• The benefits of zoos for scientific research and discovery
• The impact of zoo accreditation programs on animal welfare standards
• The challenges of breeding endangered species in captivity
• The role of zoos in promoting animal enrichment and mental stimulation
• The ethics of using animals in zoo breeding programs
• The impact of zoos on local ecosystems and biodiversity
• The role of zoos in promoting public awareness of wildlife trafficking
• The benefits of zoos for educating children about conservation
• The challenges of managing a zoo during a pandemic
• The impact of zoo closures on animal welfare and conservation efforts
• The role of zoos in promoting sustainable food and waste management practices
• The ethics of using animals in zoo education programs
• The impact of zoos on wildlife populations in surrounding areas
• The challenges of managing zoo populations and genetics
• The role of zoos in promoting animal welfare legislation
• The benefits of zoos for promoting public engagement with wildlife
• The impact of zoos on local economies and tourism
• The role of zoos in promoting wildlife rehabilitation and release programs
• The challenges of managing zoo populations in the face of climate change
• The ethics of using animals in zoo research and experimentation
• The impact of zoos on animal behavior and social dynamics
• The role of zoos in promoting public awareness of wildlife conservation issues
• The benefits of zoos for promoting sustainable tourism practices

With these 100 zoo essay topic ideas and examples, you should have plenty of inspiration to get started on your next assignment. Whether you're interested in the ethical implications of keeping animals in zoos, the role of zoos in conservation efforts, or the impact of zoos on biodiversity and ecosystem health, there's sure to be a topic that piques your interest. Happy writing!

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Essay on Zoo 100+ Words

Zoos, often called zoological parks, are places where people can visit to see a wide variety of animals. While some people might wonder about the purpose of zoos, they serve important roles in our society. In this essay, we will explore the value and importance of zoos, looking at their roles in wildlife conservation, education, and raising awareness about endangered species.

Wildlife Conservation

One of the primary reasons zoos exist is for wildlife conservation. Many species around the world are facing the threat of extinction due to habitat loss, poaching, and climate change. Zoos provide a safe haven for endangered animals, helping to ensure their survival. According to statistics, zoos have successfully bred and reintroduced numerous endangered species back into the wild.

Education and Learning

Zoos are like outdoor classrooms where people of all ages can learn about animals and their habitats. They offer a unique opportunity to observe and understand animals up close, fostering a greater appreciation for the natural world. Research has shown that visiting zoos can spark a lifelong interest in biology, wildlife, and conservation among young people.

Raising Awareness

Zoos play a crucial role in raising awareness about endangered species and the challenges they face. By showcasing these animals and sharing their stories, zoos inspire visitors to take an interest in conservation efforts. Experts agree that public awareness is essential for garnering support and funding for wildlife conservation initiatives.

Scientific Research

Zoos also contribute to scientific research. Studying animals in controlled environments helps scientists learn more about their behavior, reproduction, and health. This research aids in the development of conservation strategies and can benefit both captive and wild populations. Scientists have made significant discoveries about animal biology and behavior through zoo research.

Breeding Programs

Zoos are actively involved in breeding programs to increase the populations of endangered species. These programs aim to ensure that a healthy and genetically diverse group of animals exists for future generations. For example, the giant panda, once critically endangered, has seen its population increase due to successful breeding efforts in zoos.

Veterinary Care and Rehabilitation

Zoos provide excellent veterinary care for their animals. They have skilled veterinarians and staff who monitor the health and well-being of the animals. Injured or sick animals often receive treatment and rehabilitation, with the goal of returning them to their natural habitats whenever possible. Zoos play a vital role in the recovery of injured or orphaned wildlife.

Conservation Partnerships

Many zoos collaborate with conservation organizations and wildlife experts to support global conservation efforts. They provide funding, resources, and expertise to help protect endangered species both inside and outside the zoo environment. These partnerships extend the impact of zoos on wildlife preservation.

Conclusion of Essay on Zoo

In conclusion, zoos are not just places for entertainment; they serve as important centers for wildlife conservation, education, and raising awareness about the challenges faced by endangered species. They contribute to scientific research, breeding programs, and rehabilitation efforts, all of which are crucial for protecting our planet’s biodiversity. While there may be debates about the ethics and conditions in some zoos, it is important to recognize the positive contributions that well-managed zoos make to the welfare of animals and the conservation of species. Zoos offer a window into the beauty and wonder of the natural world, inspiring future generations to take an active role in preserving our planet’s precious wildlife.

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Essay on Zoo for Students in English – Easy & Simple Words

December 20, 2020 by Sandeep

Essay on Zoo: The protected habitat home for birds and animals is commonly referred to as zoo. Animals and other creatures are confined to limited spaces and offered food and medicines at regular intervals by concerned officials. Strict guidelines are followed for their safety. Zoos are also breeding grounds for animals, and they help in the continuation of their species. Zoos are open to public visitors but under strict monitoring and surveillance. Children can learn more about wildlife by visiting nearby zoos.

Essay on Zoo 500 Words in English

Below we have provided an essay on zoo, suitable for class 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 school students.

The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated. – Mahatma Gandhi

A zoological park, an animal park or for short, a zoo is an enclosed space where animals of different species are kept in closed surroundings. They are fed, given proper medical attention and facilities and are well taken care of. A visit to a zoo is probably one of the first outings that a young child has and remembers.

These lovely moments are mostly spent with family or with school friends on field trips or day outs. We love watching animals on the Discovery Channel and the National Geographic Channel, but witnessing these wonders of nature in a zoo, is a whole different and delightful experience. The way they tread from place to place, the way they catch their prey, the manner in which they take care of their young ones, etc. is utmost intriguing to us.

Sights at a Zoo

A zoo has a complete mix of animal species from around the world. They have different sections allotted to different breeds and types of faunas. We can witness the athletic, light brown monkeys, notorious baboons, proud chimpanzees and hairy orangutans in a cage with many trees for them to climb to and swing from. They are fed bananas, nuts and mangoes. They eat the fruit just like us humans do. Children are mesmerised by their swift movements and human-like intelligence.

The carnivorous animals are never kept together in one place. They are kept separately and are allotted enough space to roam around and hunt their prey, which is at times, deliberately let into their areas by the zoo guards. This helps them not to forget their hunting skills and also keeps them active and moving. Wild bears, leopards, tigers, lions, etc. seem intimidating by their loud roars but are definitely a worthy sight to look at. People visiting the zoo, spend more time watching these animals, than any other kind of wildlife.

Who doesn’t love the sight of gorgeous and colourful birds chirping and flying around? The melodious voice of the canary, the 360-degree head turn of the owl and the mimicking of the parrot, all cast a spell on us. We can also observe beautiful creatures like swans, pelicans and flamingos in human-made ponds. The Reptile kingdom is frightening and exhilarating at the same time.

Crocodiles with massive open jaws, shiny and fascinating scales on the skin of snakes and the third eye of the tuatara, all leave our mouths open in awe. Reptiles are generally kept in low lying areas which have lesser light and are mostly dark. Other animals that can be spotted include the tall giraffe, the lazy hippopotamus, the cute panda, the scary-looking one-horned rhinoceros, etc.

Benefits of Zoo

Zoos provide an opportunity to experience wildlife first hand. You may not be able to visit all countries around the world to see different kinds of animals, but animal parks make it possible for you to watch all of them under one shed. They also give us a chance to observe the animal’s behaviour, one on one and in real-time. No matter how much we read in books or watch in videos, no knowledge can beat the experience of seeing it from one’s own eyes.

These observations often lead to award-winning scientific breakthroughs. Zoos are prominent, spread out places which urge people to walk to see their favourite animals. This walking helps to keep the visitors fit and takes the role of an exercise. They also help in raising awareness about various animals and what dangers haunt them. They are advised to become more responsible and sensitive. Zoological parks act as a safe breeding ground for animals.

Species that are endangered or on the verge of extinction are brought here to mate and increase their population in order to bring back the balance. Zoos also act as a boost to the community. Families spend a whole day there, and schools bring out their children for a fun-filled trip—Zoo’s help in creating jobs, raising national revenue and also boost local and small-scale businesses.

Some People Believe that It Is Wrong to Keep Animals in Zoos: Writing Task 2

Some people believe that it is wrong to keep animals in zoos, while others think that zoos are both entertaining and ecologically important. Discuss both views.

In this modern world, advocates believe that it is unnecessary to protect wild animals in zoological parks. However, critics had a lateral view that these animal protecting centres enhance both leisure and natural prosperity. Both these notions had their pros and cons; nevertheless, I believe that same, like botanical parks, these zoological centres are better placing to understand wildlife closely.

On the one hand, as per advocates’ view, these limited number of places had hampered wild animals’ normal life in numerous ways. Initially, the concrete jungle-like zoo had dwindled their basic skills like hunting. In addition, their stagnant life has led them to appalling situations in their life. Secondly, these isolating lives create numerous maladies in their life. Through this, they can easily be lost their life.

On the other hand, zoological parks are an astonishing place for children and students for entertainment . There are no other places to learn and understand the wild creatures and their ecosystem so closely. Apart from this, several zoological students had the benefit of capturing and learning in imperative ways. Furthermore, another paramount significance is it is a great asset for the society in both financial and entertainment customs. Lastly, these are the places to conduct imperative research and experiments. Through this, researchers can easily find out the importance of ecological support and so on.

In conclusion, it is undoubtedly true that zoological parks always incite people in feasible ways like research and entertainment. But, an unavoidable part is people are diminishing their life in imprudent ways.

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• A Visit To The Zoo - Long and Short Essay

Essay on A Visit To The Zoo

A zoo is a place where different kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fishes are kept in cages or enclosed areas for people to see. It needs a lot of land to be taken care of. Below is an essay about visiting a zoo in simple English. It has short sentences so students can understand it easily. After reading this essay, students can write their own paragraph about visiting a zoo.

Descriptive Essay on A Visit to a Zoo

Most people can't easily go to far-off jungles or well-known national parks to see different animals. It's tough to find all those animals in their own homes. Plus, taking kids on a safari in the forest is risky to see animals, birds, and reptiles. That's why many people like going to the zoo. It's a fun and safe way to see all kinds of animals.

There is a wide variety of animals, birds, and beasts that are kept in cages in a zoo. Zoo also keeps animals of rare species. Many animals and birds are brought from foreign lands. This gives the visitors an opportunity to watch such animals and birds of rare species brought from foreign lands, which they could have never seen otherwise. 

Zoos are like homes for animals from all around the world. Lions from Africa, kangaroos from Australia, gorillas, chimpanzees, zebras, white tigers, white peacocks, polar bears, colorful parrots, big pythons, and giant crocodiles – they all live in zoos. These places are important because they help protect animals that might disappear forever.

Almost a thousand types of animals, birds, and beasts stay in zoos. Some zoos even help animals have babies in a safe place, called captive breeding. This helps save species that are in danger, so they don't disappear forever. Zoos play a big role in making sure these amazing creatures continue to exist.

These zoos and their maintenance actually show that mankind has an immense love for animals. Man cannot ignore the fact that these animals, birds, reptiles, and beasts are a part of nature. People get to see the variety of animals that exist on this earth. People get to interact, learn and grow with these species of animals.

Visiting a zoo brings human beings closer to these living beings. It makes human beings develop a liking for animals and birds. They get to learn so much about these animals too. Zoos have an aspect of geographical importance as well. They play a vital role in uniting and educating different communities. When we as visitors watch a species of an animal brought from a foreign land, we get to learn about how and where these animals live, about the climate, and the habitat in which they thrive naturally.

The maintenance of a zoo is a huge task. Animals, birds, reptiles, and fishes, from foreign lands with different climatic conditions are to be kept in such surroundings, climate, and temperature that matches that of their natural habitat. If that arrangement is not done properly these animals would not survive. In hot summers, tigers and lions require access to water to keep cool. A gorilla or chimpanzee requires trees and lush green areas to roam. 

All these animals also need to be fed according to their original tastes and appetites. A leopard, a lion, or a tiger has to be served its due quantity of raw meat for every meal. A gorilla or a monkey should be served a vegetarian diet. There are some animals that are to be fed with fish. The python is capable of devouring a whole goat and so, it should be fed accordingly, without harming any other living being around it.

Going to the zoo is not just enjoyable; it's a great way to learn. Zoos teach us a ton about how different animals live and what they like. To make sure the animals stay healthy, the zoo has its own medical team and animal doctors. These doctors are well-trained and really good at their job. Animals at the zoo can get sick, and if their illnesses spread, it could be really bad for the whole zoo. Sometimes, the animals even need big surgeries and treatments to get better. So, keeping everything in good shape is really important at a zoo.

We visitors, at times, cause a great deal of risk to the lives of these animals and birds. Out of excitement, to feed the animals, we throw food in plastic bags to the animals inside their cages. The animals tend to swallow the plastic bags along with the food. The plastic gets stuck in their intestines and causes serious problems, and can even result in death sometimes. Along with this, to get some entertainment, the visitors sometimes risk their own lives. Out of curiosity, the visitors try playing around with wild animals, which, if triggered, can become violent. 

The visitors coming to zoos, mainly children, should be properly oriented and refrain from such activities. The zoo authorities also have to take care of the mental health of the animals. The animals may develop stereotypic behaviors or even die prematurely if not taken care of properly. Thus, zoological parks help us learn, grow and have fun. They help us bring human beings closer to nature. We get to understand and live God's beautiful creations through these parks. 

Short on a Visit to a Zoo Essay 

Last Sunday, my family and I went to the zoo. It was a sunny day and we got there at 8 am. When we arrived, there was a big crowd at the entrance. Some people were buying tickets, and others were just enjoying the nice weather and chatting.

Inside, we found a lovely lake with ducks and swans swimming around. It was pretty cool to see all those white ducks on the water. As we walked around, we came across a place with lots of birds – parrots, pigeons, eagles, and sparrows of different colors. The birds were making some enchanting music, and we stopped to enjoy it for a bit.

Next, we saw big cats like leopards, lions, tigers, and tigresses. One lion even rushed towards us, and its roars were really loud and scary. Moving on, we checked out a tiger's den. The tiger had sharp teeth and gave us a fierce look. It walked gracefully towards us, but its roar made us step back. We also saw bears and elephants. The elephants were majestic, swinging their trunks in the air, and the bears were happily playing together.

In another area, there were deer and stags taking strolls, and they were playful and beautiful. We then found a spot with baboons and monkeys in a big tree. They were jumping around, playing pranks, and some even came down for bananas. Kids were having fun making faces at them.

Later, we visited an aquarium with colorful fishes and dolphins happily playing in the water. Near the end, we saw sad polar bears in an enclosure, so we gave them some food. The black bear in another cage was doing tricks, and people were thrilled. We also checked out crocodiles, snakes like pythons and cobras, but the hissing cobras made us move away.

After going around the zoo, we sat in a garden, surrounded by the sweet smell of flowers. The calm wind made it a perfect place to relax. We enjoyed the view with some snacks and drinks. As the sun set, we left the zoo with happy memories and excitement.

Visiting a zoo makes us learn a lot many things about the various species of animals besides the fun and frolic that we have. We get to learn about the tastes and habits of so many varieties of birds, animals, reptiles, and beasts. A zoo is a place that brings us closer to the living beings that we co-exist with on this earth – the animals, birds, reptiles, insects, and so on. It tells us about the balance between the animal species and their habitats. It shows us that animal life is as important as human life. It tells us even more about the wondrous creations of God on this earth.

The value of zoos lies in their ability to bridge the gap between humans and the natural world. They offer us a glimpse into the lives of creatures we might never encounter otherwise, fostering a sense of wonder and respect for the diversity of life on Earth. However, this privilege comes with a responsibility – to ensure the well-being of the animals in our care and to constantly strive for improvement in their living conditions.

Ultimately, the future of zoos lies in striking a delicate balance between education, conservation, and animal welfare. By prioritizing the needs of the animals we hold captive, we can ensure that zoos become not just places of entertainment, but also sanctuaries for endangered species and vital centers for conservation education. Only then can these wondrous, complex institutions truly fulfill their potential as ambassadors of the wild.

FAQs on A Visit To The Zoo - Long and Short Essay

1. What is the importance of zoological parks?

Zoological parks help us preserve endangered species to prevent them from becoming extinct. The breeding procedures in these places help us increase their population.

2. How would you describe a zoo?

A zoo is also called a zoological park. It is a reserve where animals are confined by making arrangements similar to their natural habitat. These enclosures are open for public view. Some zoos also opt for breeding. There are more than 1000 such enclosures available to the public. However, most of them are situated in major cities.

3. What are the good things about zoos?

Zoos act as a source of economy for the community and the country as a whole. They help us interact closely with nature and preserve endangered species as well. They act as an educational source and help us understand God’s beautiful creations.

4. Should animals be kept in Zoos?

Animals should be left to live freely in their natural habitats with their families, and not trapped in cages in zoos.

5. What are the advantages of Zoos?

Zoos act as protected spaces for endangered species of animals. They act as an educational and economic resource for society.

Are Zoos Ethical? Arguments for and Against Keeping Animals in Zoos

Zoos, if done right, could be a good thing for the animals and the public—yet many so-called zoos get it terribly wrong.

• University of Southern California

• Ohio Wesleyan University
• Brandeis University
• Northeastern University
• Animal Rights
• Endangered Species

A Brief History of Zoos

Arguments for zoos, arguments against zoos, the last word on zoos.

A zoo is a place where captive animals are put on display for humans to see. While early zoos (shortened from zoological parks) concentrated on displaying as many unusual creatures as possible—often in small, cramped conditions—the focus of most modern zoos is conservation and education. While zoo advocates and conservationists argue that zoos save endangered species and educate the public, many  animal rights activists believe the cost of confining animals outweighs the benefits, and that the violation of the rights of individual animals—even in efforts to fend off extinction—cannot be justified. Let's dive into whether zoos are ethical and if they truly encourage education and conservation.

Humans have kept wild animals for thousands of years. The first efforts to keep wild animals for non-utilitarian uses began about 2,500 BCE, when rulers in Mesopotamia, Egypt kept collections in enclosed pens.  Modern zoos began to evolve during the 18th century and the Age of Enlightenment when scientific interest in zoology and the study of animal behavior and anatomy came to the fore.

Early zoos were a dismal affair. Animals were kept in small enclosures with little if any, greenery. With a scant understanding of what the various animals needed, many perished relatively quickly. In accredited zoos in the United States and globally, things are better. Primates have gone from barren cages with little furniture to naturalistic and sometimes semi-free-ranging designs. But is it enough?

• By bringing people and animals together, zoos educate the public and foster an appreciation of other species.
• Zoos save endangered species by bringing them into a safe environment for protection from poachers , habitat loss, starvation, and predators.
• Many zoos have breeding programs for endangered species . In the wild, these individuals might have trouble finding mates and breeding, and species could become extinct.
• Some zoos have conservation programs around the world that use the zoo's expertise and funding to help protect wildlife against poaching and other threats.
• Reputable zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums are held to high standards for the treatment of their resident animals. According to AZA, its accreditation guarantees the organization has undergone strict evaluation by recognized experts to ensure the highest standards of "animal management and care, including living environments, social groupings, health, and nutrition."
• A good zoo provides an enriched habitat where the animals are never bored, are well cared for, and have plenty of space.
• Seeing an animal in person is a much more personal and memorable experience than seeing that animal in a nature documentary. People are more likely to foster an empathetic attitude toward animals.
• Some zoos help rehabilitate wildlife and take in exotic pets that people no longer want or can no longer care for.
• Both accredited and unaccredited animal exhibitors are regulated by the federal Animal Welfare Act, which establishes standards for animal care.
• From an animal rights standpoint, humans do not have a right to breed, capture, and confine other animals— even if those species are endangered . Being a member of an endangered species doesn't mean the individual animals should be afforded fewer rights.
• Animals in captivity suffer from boredom, stress, and confinement. No pen—no matter how humane—or drive-through safari can compare to the freedom of the wild .
• Intergenerational bonds are broken when individuals are sold or traded to other zoos.
• Baby animals bring in visitors and money, but this incentive to breed new babies leads to overpopulation. Surplus animals are sold to other zoos, circuses , and hunting facilities . Some zoos simply kill their surplus animals outright.
• Some captive breeding programs do not release animals back into the wild . The offspring may be forever part of the chain of zoos, circuses, and petting zoos .
• Removing individual specimens from the wild further endangers the wild population because the remaining individuals will be less genetically diverse and may have greater difficulty finding mates. Maintaining species diversity within captive breeding facilities is also challenging. 
• If people want to see wild animals in real life, they can observe wildlife in the wild or visit a sanctuary . (A true sanctuary does not buy, sell, or breed animals, but instead takes in unwanted exotic pets, surplus animals from zoos, or injured wildlife that can no longer survive in the wild.)
• The federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA) establishes minimal standards for cage size, shelter, healthcare, ventilation, fencing, food, and water. For example, enclosures must provide "sufficient space to allow each animal to make normal postural and social adjustments with adequate freedom of movement. Inadequate space may be indicated by evidence of malnutrition, poor condition, debility, stress, or abnormal behavior patterns." Violations often result in a slap on the wrist and the exhibitor is given a deadline to correct the violation. Even a long history of inadequate care and AWA violations, such as the history of Tony the Truck Stop Tiger, does not necessarily ensure abused animals will be freed.
• Animals sometimes escape their enclosures, endangering themselves as well as people. Likewise, people ignore warnings or accidentally get too close to animals, leading to horrific outcomes. For example, Harambe, a 17-year-old western lowland gorilla , was shot in 2016 when a toddler accidentally fell into his enclosure at the Cincinnati Zoo . While the child survived and was not badly injured, the gorilla was killed outright.
• Petting zoos have been linked with numerous incidents of diseases including E. coli infection, cryptosporidiosis, salmonellosis, and dermatomycosis (ringworm).

In making a case for or against zoos and whether zoos are ethical, both sides argue that they're saving animals. Whether or not zoos benefit the animal community, they do make money. As long as demand remains, zoos will continue to exist.

Since zoos are likely inevitable, the best way to move forward is to ensure zoo conditions are the best possible for the animals that live in captivity and that individuals who violate animal care health and safety sanctions are not only duly punished but denied any future access to animals.

One day we may look back at zoos and marvel at their barbarity. Or, one day we may look back at zoos and be grateful for the species they saved from extinction. Of these two scenarios, only time will tell.

Hosey, Geoff, et al. Zoo Animals: Behaviour, Management, and Welfare . Oxford University Press. 2013.

Hosey, G. (2023). The History of Primates in Zoos . In: Robinson, L.M., Weiss, A. (eds) Nonhuman Primate Welfare. Springer, Cham.

“ Species Survival Plan Programs .” Association of Zoos & Aquariums.

“ Accreditation Basics .” Association of Zoos & Aquariums .

“ Animal Welfare Act and Animal Welfare Regulations .” U.S. Department of Agriculture .

Meagher, Rebecca K., Georgia J. Mason. “ Environmental Enrichment Reduces Signs of Boredom in Caged Mink .” PLoS ONE , vol. 7, 2012, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0049180

Kleiman, Devra G., et al. Wild Mammals In Captivity: Principles And Techniques For Zoo Management, Second Edition . University of Chicago Press. 2010.

Gunasekera, Crystal Allen. “ The Ethics of Killing “Surplus” Zoo Animals .” Journal of Animal Ethics , vol. 8, 2018, doi:10.5406/janimalethics.8.1.0093

Brichieri-Colombi, Typhenn A., et al. “ Limited Contributions of Released Animals from Zoos to North American Conservation Translocations .” Conservation Biology , vol. 33, 2019, pp. 33-39., doi:10.1111/cobi.13160

Krasnec, Michelle O., et al. “ Mating Systems in Sexual Animals .” Nature Education Knowledge, vol. 3, no. 10, 2012, p. 72.

“ 9 CFR § 3.128 - Space Requirements .” Cornell University Legal Information Institute .

“ Animal Welfare Act Enforcement .” U.S. Department of Agriculture .

Conrad, Cheyenne C. Conrad et al. " Farm Fairs and Petting Zoos: A Review of Animal Contact as a Source of Zoonotic Enteric Disease ." Foodborne Pathogens and Disease, vol. 14, 2017, pp. 59-73., doi:10.1089/fpd.2016.2185

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Some people think that wild animals should not be kept in zoos. Others believe that there are some good reasons for having zoos. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

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Nowadays young people are admiring media and sports stars, even though they do not set a good example. Do you think this is a positive or negative development?

Nowsaday, lots of businesses consider making money as the top priority, so they think they do not need to be responsible with the society. to what extend, do you agree or disagree, schools should focus on academic success and passing examinations. skills such as cookery, dressmaking and woodwork should not be taught at school as it is better to learn these from family and friends. to that extent do you agree or disagree., in some countries, people these days spend little time with their children. what band are the causes of this whom does this affect more, parents or children, many students choose to take a gap year before starting university, to travel or gain work experience. give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience..

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Essay on Visit to Zoo in 100, 150, and 250 Words for School Students

• Updated on  
• Apr 22, 2024

Essay on Visit to Zoo: For people of all ages, going to the zoo is a joyful experience. This is a rare chance to get up close and personal with animals from all over the world. Zoos teach us about wildlife conservation in addition to providing us with entertainment. One of life’s greatest pleasures is witnessing animals in their natural environments and learning about their habits.

Table of Contents

• 1 Essay on Visit to Zoo in 100 Words
• 2 Essay on Visit to Zoo in 150 Words
• 3 Essay on Visit to Zoo in 250 Words
• 4 Paragraph on Visit to Zoo

Essay on Visit to Zoo in 100 Words

Quick Read: Importance of Mental Health Essay

Essay on Visit to Zoo in 150 Words

Quick Read: Essay on the Role of Youth in Nation-Building

Essay on Visit to Zoo in 250 Words

Quick Read: Essay Topics for in English

Paragraph on Visit to Zoo

Ans: Write a paragraph describing your visit to the zoo, the animals you saw, and the feelings it made you feel. Add specifics on the sights, sounds, and any educational features that jumped out during your visit.

Ans: A zoo is a place where a wide variety of animals are kept for both public exhibition and conservation. Zoos are essential for encouraging conservation efforts, teaching people about wildlife, and offering a rare chance to see creatures from all over the world.

Ans: A zoo is a unique location where a vast array of animals are housed for public viewing and education. It resembles a sizable animal museum where you can view animals from around the globe and learn fascinating details about them.

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Zoos – Top 3 Pros and Cons

Zoos have existed in some form since at least 2500 BCE in Egypt and Mesopotamia , where records indicate giraf f es , bears , dolphins , and other animals were kept by aristocrats . The oldest still operating zoo in the world is the Tiergarten Schönbrunn in Vienna , Austria , which opened in 1752. [ 1 ] [ 2 ]

The contemporary zoo evolved from 19th century European zoos. Largely modeled after the London Zoo in Regent’s Park , these zoos were intended for “ genteel amusement and edification ,” according to Emma Marris, environmental writer and Institute Fellow at the UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability. As such, reptile houses, aviaries , and insectaries were added with animals grouped taxonomically , to move zoos beyond the spectacle of big, scary animals. [ 40 ]

Carl Hagenbeck , a German exotic animal importer, introduced the modern model of more natural habitats for animals instead of obvious cages at his Animal Park in Hamburg in 1907. That change prompted the shift in zoo narrative from entertainment to the protection of animals. In the late 20th century, the narrative changed again to the conservation of animals to stave off extinction . [ 40 ]

Controversy has historically surrounded zoos, from debates over displaying “ exotic ” humans in exhibits to zookeepers not knowing what to feed animals. For example, a gorilla named Madame Ningo, the first  gorilla  to arrive in the United States in 1911 who was to live at the  Bronx Zoo , was fed hot dinners and cooked meat despite gorillas being  herbivores . [ 3 ] [ 4 ]

The contemporary debate about zoos tends to focus on animal welfare on both sides, whether zoos protect animals or imprison them.

Should Zoos Exist?

Pro 1 Zoos educate the public about animals and conservation efforts. As of Mar. 2024, there are 236 accredited zoos in the United States. The zoos attract over 183 million visitors annually, which is more than the approximately 98.6 million spectators of games played in 2023-2024 by the MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL combined. [ 5 ] [ 6 ] [ 7 ] [ 8 ] [ 9 ] [ 10 ]   [ 42 ] According to a study of 26 zoos worldwide published in Conservation Biology , visitors to zoos increased their knowledge of biodiversity and specific individual actions to protect biodiversity. [ 11 ] “Zoos provide people, especially impressionable children, with the opportunity to see these remarkable animals up close. People won’t protect what they don’t love, and they can’t love what they don’t know. No matter how closely programs like Planet Earth depict animals, nothing will match the bond of seeing them in real life. Just look at a child’s eyes at the zoo when he or she encounters a tiger or similarly majestic animal,” according to Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. [ 12 ] Read More

Pro 2 Zoos produce helpful scientific research. 228 accredited zoos published 5,175 peer-reviewed manuscripts between 1993 and 2013. In 2017, 173 accredited U.S. zoos spent $25 million on research, studied 485 species and subspecies of animals, worked on 1,280 research projects, and published 170 research manuscripts. [ 13 ] [ 14 ] Because so many diseases can be transmitted from animals to humans, such as Ebola , hantavirus , and the bird flu , zoos frequently conduct disease surveillance research in wildlife populations and their own captive populations that can lead to a direct impact on human health. For example, the veterinary staff at the Bronx Zoo in New York alerted health officials of the presence of West Nile Virus . [ 15 ] Zoo research is used in other ways such as informing legislation like the Sustainable Shark Fisheries and Trade Act, helping engineers build a robot to move like a sidewinder snake, and encouraging minority students to enter STEM careers. [ 37 ] [ 38 ] [ 39 ] Read More

Pro 3 Zoos save species from extinction and other dangers. Corroboree frogs, eastern bongos, regent honeyeaters, Panamanian golden frogs, Bellinger River snapping turtles, golden lion tamarins, and Amur leopards, among others, have been saved from extinction by zoos. [ 16 ] Zoos are also working to save polar bears, tigers, and wild African elephants from habitat loss, apes and rhinos from poachers, dolphins and whales from hunters, and bees and butterflies from population declines, among many other efforts to help many other animals. [ 17 ] [ 18 ] [ 19 ] [ 20 ] 23% of birds and 47% of small mammals (weighing less than about 2.2 pounds) are negatively impacted by climate change. By keeping populations of animals and conducting wild repopulation, zoos can help preserve species in danger from climate change. There were only nine California condors in the wild in 1985. A joint conservation effort between the San Diego and Los Angeles Zoos with other organizations resulted in a population of 276 California condors in the wild and another 170 in captivity by 2016. [ 21 ]   [ 22 ] [ 23 ] Przewalski’s horses, the last wild horses, were declared extinct in the wild in the 1960s when about 12 lived in zoos. By 2018, breeding programs at zoos increased the number to 2,400 horses, and 800 were reintroduced to the wild. [ 24 ] [ 25 ] Read More

Con 1 Zoos don't educate the public enough to justify keeping animals captive. A review published in Animal Studies Repositor y concluded, “to date there is no compelling or even particularly suggestive evidence for the claim that zoos and aquariums promote attitude change, education, and interest in conservation in visitors.” Even a study widely cited to justify the argument that zoos educate the public stated, “there was no overall statistically significant change in understanding [of ecological concepts] seen” because visitors know a lot about ecology before going to the zoo. [ 26 ]   [ 27 ] TV shows such as Planet Earth bring wild animals into living rooms, allowing people to see the animals in their natural habitats without causing harm to animals such as the endangered snow leopard. Romesh Ranganathan, a British comedian, stated, “It still slightly surprises me that anybody thinks that we should have zoos at all. The animals always look miserable in captivity… [T]he idea that kids only get excited about things they can see in the flesh is ridiculous. My kids are obsessed with dinosaurs that no longer exist, and Skylanders, which have never existed.” [ 28 ] Read More

Con 2 Zoos are detrimental to animals' physical health. A study of 35 species of carnivores, including brown bears, cheetahs, and lions, found that zoo enclosures were too small for the animals to carry out their normal routines, which led to problems such as pacing and more infant deaths. Polar bears, for example, had an infant mortality rate of 65% due to small enclosures. [ 29 ] About 70% of adult male gorillas in North America have heart disease, the leading cause of death among gorillas in captivity, although the condition is almost completely absent in the wild. Other great apes have similar health problems in captivity. [ 4 ] Captive elephants live about half as long as wild elephants: 18.9 years v. 41.7 years for Asian elephants and 16.9 years v. 35.8 years for African elephants. Of 77 elephants in 13 zoos, 71 were overweight and spent 83% of their time indoors, contributing to early death. [ 30 ] Read More

Con 3 Zoo confinement is psychologically damaging to animals. Animal behaviorists often see zoo animals suffering from problems not seen in the wild, such as clinical depression in clouded leopards and gibbons, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in brown bears, and anxiety in giraffes. The animals experience these issues due to smaller enclosures, changes in diet and activities, and the introduction of things not seen in the wild, such as medical exams and people with cameras. The Toledo Zoo ran a psychiatric program in which a gorilla with premenstrual depression was prescribed Prozac . To ease them into new habitats, an agitated tiger was given Valium , and anxious zebras and wildebeests were given Haldol. [ 31 ]   [ 32 ] [ 33 ] A study of captive chimpanzees found that “abnormal behaviour is endemic in the population,” and includes behaviors such as eating feces, twitching, rocking back and forth, plucking hair, pacing, vomiting, and self-mutilation, among others. The study concluded that the cause of such behavior could be mental health issues. [ 34 ] About 24% of captive orcas have “major” to “extreme” tooth wear and 60% had tooth fractures as a result of stress-induced teeth grinding. As a result of the 2013 documentary Blackfish , which exposed the psychological damage done to orcas by SeaWorld , California outlawed captive orca breeding. [ 35 ] [ 36 ]   [ 36 ] Read More

Discussion Questions

1. Should zoos exist? If you believe they should, consider whether they should remain the same or change. If you believe they should not, consider how else to accomplish zoo’s conservation efforts.

2. Extend the debate to other human-made animal habitats, such as safari parks and animal sanctuaries.

3. What other conservation efforts are important to saving wildlife? Explain your answer(s).

Take Action

1. Analyze “ Eight Reasons Zoos Are Good for Conservation ” from conservation scientist James Borrell.

2. Consider the pros and cons with a video from Above the Noise .

3. Explore conservationist Damian Aspinall’s opinion that zoos are “outdated and cruel.”

4. Consider how you felt about the issue before reading this article. After reading the pros and cons on this topic, has your thinking changed? If so, how? List two to three ways. If your thoughts have not changed, list two to three ways your better understanding of the “other side of the issue” now helps you better argue your position.

5. Push for the position and policies you support by writing U.S. senators and representatives .

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