Do you think Zoos are a good idea for preserving endangered species or is it making it worst?

Question

Sometimes when I visit the zoo, the animals look all sad. They look like old people in a retirement center. You see gorillas with walkers. Lions roaring with no teeth trying to scare you.......no in fact they just lay there and sleep, pretty boring, and snakes don't shuffle they roll.

Should they be in their natural ecosystem?

Answer 1

This is a catch 22 question,zoos give people a chance to see these animals,most of them were born in captivity,so they know no different,I agree a more natural environment would be better,the trouble is the cost of this and the amount of space the zoo has,I went to a zoo in Asia,were the areas for the animals was so big for each one that we only saw 1/4 or the animals,it was all done with the natural vegetation for the breed of animal,so it was hard to see them,this zoo has been very successful in breeding white tigers,so that must say some thing about their environment,they are happy,I believe 15 cubs in 1 year were born there.I also noticed that a lot of the areas for the large animals apes etc were sponsored and built by large international company's,What a good idea.I would rather see them in the wild but,our world has taken a lot of their environment away,or we as people have encroached into it,It would be sad that in the future they would be all gone for further generations to see.As I said a catch 22 question

Answer 2

Ideally yes, they should be in their natural habitat, but most zoo animals have never been in the wild and are better acclimated for captive life. Most zoo's have gotten better about simulating the natural habitat and providing "enrichment" to keep the animals happier. Zoo's are VITAL to the conservation effort. They preserve many endangered species through intricate breeding plans to increase numbers and maintain the integrity of the gene pool, but also take on the role of educator. People are fairly self-centered and most wouldn't care as much about saving wildlife if they didn't have the chance to see them up close. But once they actually meet an animal, and learn of the trouble they're in, they become much more interested in learning what can be done to save them.

Answer 3

The animals are endangered for a reason. Hence the endangered part. Living in their natural environment must have many draw-backs if they are dieing out. Maybe to poachers or even lack of food. Zoos have animals and raise them as naturally as they can.

They also provide access to the animals so regular people like you and I can see them. I don't necessarily think the animals are sad. Possibly bored and tired but, the animals have fun. I've seen them playing with each other and what not.

Answer 4

My 8 yr old asked me when I brought her to the zoo, Mom how would you feel if you were in a cage and people came through to look at you everyday. I thought about it and realized there has to be a better way to have animals where they are not in small caged areas but on a huge preserve. The sad thing is they could never be released because a lot of them have lost there survival instinct.

Answer 5

Loaded question! They do look sad sometimes but if we're not experts how can we really tell... I think zoo's are okay if used for species propagation and to really educate the public... Unfortunately people won't be interested or care to give $ if they can't go see them... It's like a few to help the whole... But I do think zoo's should be HEAVILY regulated and fined if not in compliance of animal health standards!

Answer 6

Lions were meant to hunt and kill, not be placed in a cage. It is similar to the prison system. Yes, the animals are being feed and they are safe from human predators, but they are not free to roam and live like they would if in their natural ecosystem. There is a book called "I know why the caged bird sings"by Maya Angelou. The reality is most people that are caged can't sing(live, love, laugh, etc.), the same thing applies to animals, after they have been caged, they no longer sing, live, hunt like they did when they were free.

Answer 7

Not a zoo a national endanger stations. They help breed more and and preserver the species and then put them back into the wild. And they are gowned in Wild areas but they just keep close eye on them and help them.

Answer 8

Animals in zoos may be properly fed, taken care of for disease and shielded from predators. If raised in captivity the animals won't be decrease than undo rigidity. keeping properly saved zoos might keep a great part of the human inhabitants stated and in contact approximately animals and a threat extinction, which incorporate maintenance of organic habitats. Wild animals are oftentimes territorial and want great expanses of land to incorporate a likely inhabitants and zoos might help learn their desires. Are there poorly saved zoos? possibly. yet zoo animals may be very high priced and maximum possibly are properly saved by employing properly experienced staffs, somewhat if properly attended and funded.

Answer 9

I think zoos and circuses should be totally illegal. I think they are making animals work harder than they should. I am sad about the elephants. they put a saddle on their backs and ride them around all day! its obnoxious.