The Pros And Cons Of Urban Zoos

Although zoos are a great educational tool for the public the overall damage it could be doing to our environment and the plausible cause of extinction for some species must be examined. In the human race’s haste to be able to view exotic animals, they failed to realize that an urban zoo although maybe ideal for the educational standpoint, may not be what is best for the animals. What crime did the animal commit to be imprisoned to a life of captivity? Most certainly depression all for the sake of human’s entertainment. An alternative to the urban zoo should be used. Both sides of the issue of whether or not zoos are good for animals both have in common that they just want to protect the animals. As Lisa Granshaw says in her article “How

Rex Ettlin explains in his article “A Zoo is a great educational tool”. “A connection with the real thing is even more important for us urbanites, who find ourselves increasingly severed from contact with nature” (Ettlin). Parent, and teachers just want the younger children to be able to experience feeding the giraffe or seeing the baby tiger as they did when they were children. But safety is a top priority for any parent when it comes to their children. According to Euan McKirdy and Elliot C. McLaughlin in their article titled “Safety by design: How zoo enclosures are evolving”. “If space allows, moats -- like at the gorilla enclosure in Cincinnati -- are used to keep a safe distance between the animals and visitors and give the animals a more "natural" environment. If space is more limited, heavy mesh or glass enclosures can give a similar experience” (McKirdy, McLaughlin). Not only do the visitors coming to see the animals need to be protected but also the animals. It is for the well-being of both parties. T.erefore the people and the animals will be in a safe

In the article “5 reasons Why national parks and wildlife Sanctuaries are so important” written by the chief editor, it explains how saving a landscape and leaving the animals there can protect the whole ecosystem. “Unfortunately many animal species today face extinction, mainly because their natural habitats are being steadily destroyed. National parks safeguard these habitats, and provide a safe space for wildlife to breed and survive. Without national parks, certain animal species are at greater risk of becoming extinct – a landscape needs to be protected to provide habitat for wildlife” (5 reasons). Along with saving an entire natural landscape these national parks also save the animals and their natural ecosystem and habitat. In the article it gives many reasons and benefits of wildlife refuges “BENEFITS AND JUSTIFICATIONS OF WILDLIFE REFUGES”. “Wildlife refuges provide many positive benefits to local communities and their environments. Wildlife and wildlands are resources with innate values for use in scientific research, education, and public enjoyment, and refuges protect and enhance these resources” (BENEFITS). By protecting these natural environments, it promotes genetic diversity in the animal, better mental health and encourages evolutionary