Argumentative Essay: Zoos

Argumentative Essay: Zoos

“Zoos have a huge role to play in education and protection of our vulnerable wildlife” – Professor Tim Flannery, prominent environmentalist and Zoos SA Ambassador. In recent years the importance of zoos has been recognised. They are a valuable asset to our society because of the role they play in education and awareness for animals and the breeding programs that have been formed to fight possible extinction. Due to the high standards of animal care in well managed zoos, it can now be a satisfactory, comfortable and positive environment not just for us, but for animals too.

Humans have the responsibility of looking after our animals, and in an ever changing world, zoos play a key role in educating people and raising awareness for the animals. “There is an urgent need to speak on behalf of those animals that can’t speak for themselves and to increase public awareness of these issues.” – Conservation Ark, Adelaide Zoo. Zoos offer programs and activities for school and community groups. These enable school children and the public to learn about animals and wildlife conservation. Zoos also sponsor or create various conservation programs and campaigns for both the environment and for animals. Some campaigns run by Zoos Victoria are Don’t Palm Us Off, Act4Nature, Seal The Loop, They’re Calling On You and Beads For Wildlife. All of these aim to protect different species whilst promoting their plight and asking the general public for support. Therefore, the education and awareness that zoos give people is vital to saving endangered species.

Due to the inhumane acts made by humans towards animals and their habitats, many animals are facing extinction. Thankfully, zoos and their breeding programs provide hope that this will not occur. When a species is endangered in the wild, the breeding programs in captivity provide hope for future preservation of the species. In some cases, breeding in captivity programs can lead to the return of animals to the wild. For example,...

Similar Essays