Argumentative Essay About Zoos

Paul Farmer once proclaimed, “The idea that some lives matter less is the root of all that is wrong with the world.” This quote is deeper than what is observed on the surface, it means that no matter race, gender, and yes species, that everyone is created equal. Just because they are animals and they do not have the voice to speak their mind, people have the power to stand for them. The lives of these beautiful wonders are no less than the value of human lives. Zoos first got their appearance at the London Zoo in 1828. At first, the zoo was opened for the conducting of research on these fascinating animals; however, in 1847 they became open to the public and from there on out zoos became a display of nature and the beauty of parts of the world.

With all this money being spent on other expenses besides the much needed care for the animals, it brings up the question of, are the animals getting their proper care they need? This goes to show that they in fact are not receiving the proper care that they deserve because many zoos euthanize their healthy animals because of the cost genetic health requires. In the article, One Green Planet, they also explained this concept, “On Feb. 9, 2014 at the Copenhagen Zoo in a shocking event, Marius the giraffe was put to sleep in spite of offers from numerous other zoos to take him in, in front of visitors which included young children. They also watched while he was skinned and fed to a pride of lions” (Top 5). This goes to prove that their claim of providing proper care for their animals is in fact misleading, as they do not provide the care that the animals deserve with the profits that they have available to them. As zoos advertise that they give all the care they can for their animals it is not true, many animals suffer in captivity. In an article by the Captive Animals’ Protection Society (CAPS), they found that, “A government-funded study of elephants in UK zoos found “there was a welfare concern for every elephant in the UK.” 75% of elephants

Putting animals in zoos is harming them dramatically in the physical, mental, and emotional needs. Deciding that putting nature on display has only lessened mankind as a whole and has put a label that animals are not equal as humans are. As stated earlier “the idea that some lives matter less is the root of all that is wrong with the world.” Zoos are not used for the benefit of the animals they are rather used for the entertainment of the people. None of the animals signed up to be trapped for the rest of their lives and yet we view the world on the other side of the glass and the sadness within their souls can be seen as you look into the eyes of the victims trapped on