To Zoo Or Not To Zoo

Although this might not be the question of the century or questions like,”Why are we here.” The question if zoos are bad or good is quite the question. Whether you have made up your mind already, don’t know, or don’t care, it should be a question that is thought carefully.

There is a quote that talks about how the way we treat our animals speaks volumes about our nation. While a good quote, most people are still going to enjoy a good steak.

Nevertheless, when certain people talk about zoos they exclude everything realistic accept whats best for the animals. While sounding beautiful and wonderful, reality has a way of stepping on dreams. Yes, maybe the best for an animal is wide free worlds with no humans. However, what would be good also would be truck filled with cash.

Basically, animal welfare and reality has to be kept in the argument when talking about zoos. If any conversation is to happen aspects such as: social, resources, and of course, the animals' welfare should be all talked about.

The truth with these talks about zoos, is that animal cruelty does take place in some zoos. However, on the other hand, in zoos, lives are saved. Take for instance, the panda it would have gone extinct without zoos.

Which makes one think, with animals that are endangered one should ask themselves, “Is it easier to stop animal cruelty in zoos or is it easier to stop poachers from killing animals or other reasons.

There have been many instances of animal cruelty in the zoos. However, it's something that can be fixed. Many people argue that animals are happier in the wild. However, the problem is that in the wild, no one sees the animals. So thus no one cares about the animals. In the zoo, endangered animals are safer, maybe not happy, but certainly not eating lead from a man or woman who’s trying to pay for their college fees for their kids.

Animals, just like people in this world have a place, but the truth is that they have to be useful, things that don’t seem useful or aren’t useful usually get the boot. Just look how people use to remove their tonsils.

Zoos maybe be cruel, but not all are. There are many genuine zoos out there in certain places in the world. Filled with animal keepers who have only the best interest at heart for the animals.

With zoos, people argue that they’re not very educational for children, whether or not that has merit does not matter. However, what has merit, is that children can learn and appreciate animals. As mentioned before, if animals are out of sight or serve no purpose, there is not reason for people to care about them. Fact is, if you do not see something or get something out of it, you see no purpose for it.

Zoos can be improved. However, animals needed to be thought more instead of dollar signs. Nevertheless, it is better to have a zoo with the resources that are allocated to saving animals. And in the more cynical thought, maybe the next generation will feel more sorry for these animals and set them free. Or maybe the next generation will be inspired by what they see in animals, and strive to make a place that helps animals and inspires the next generation.