The word “zoo” was introduced in the 19th century and first served as an abbreviation of the word combination “zoological garden” – the collection of different species of animals taken from the nature. They were created on the basis of many reasons: research making, education, conservation and recreation. In general, zoos are seen as some sort of alternative to a natural environment for the animals. Let’s find out if it’s true by means of examining the pros and cons of the zoos.
It is an important debate whether animals should be kept in the zoos or not. Some say that it is necessary to capture them in order to protect from poachers. Regarding all the efforts to kill animals for ivory, skins and medical aims, zoo is quite a safe place for them. In contrast to this, it is necessary to note that animals have their natural rights and once they are put into cages these rights are broken.
It is known that there are zoos where workers treat animals very cruelly. Fortunately, day by day all the zoos become more and more improved and it wouldn’t be fair to close all the zoos because of the mistakes of some of them. But no matter how good the conditions of the place where animals are kept are, they are still suffering because of the fact that their natural behavior is limited by zoo’s walls.
We can endlessly discuss the issues of zoos. Surely, it is important to take measures to study, protect and preserve endangered species, but it is important to do it without making animals suffer during the process. In my opinion, zoos will never be an alternative to the natural environment no matter how high the quality of the life conditions in there may be.