Zoos have a strong advantage for both, the endangered species as well as for the society

Some people think that zoos are cruel and should be closed. However, some people think that zoos are useful for protecting rare animals. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Zoos are an important asset of our society, some people think they are inhuman and should be closed while others argue that they are helpful in saving endangered species. I, however, agree to the former view but I also believe that they have far much more positive aspects which outweigh the existence of zoos.

The cruel aspect of zoos have many reasons, firstly, the animals have to leave the habitat and independence which they were previously enjoying while living in a jungle or a forest, now being caged in a zoo they have to live a life of misery where they cannot enjoy a liberal life. Secondly, there is a limited amount of food supply in a zoo, while those animals enjoyed surplus amounts in their habitat, thus making their robust bodies weaker day by day. They, however, loose the tactics of preying their predators which they used to do while living in a jungle/forest. Finally, a few of these zoo animals get exploited by their caretakers who train them for various shows and generate money out of it. Taking an example of a dolphin which is widely used for shows, it is trained well and then performs paid shows which generates revenue for their owners.

Looking on the other side of the discussion which reveals more of the beneficial aspects of zoos to our society, like its contribution towards education, entertainment, conservation and research of animal behavior and anatomy. Zoo is a prime place to make an animal safe from outside dangers like hunters who hunt them for their meat, fur or leather. Moreover, they are practically important in educating public about the animal behavior, anatomy and also from research point of view. People paying visits to these zoos help them to strengthen themselves from the money they earn from people. In addition to this, in zoos breeding the endangered species take place which helps them to increase in their number and avoids them to extinct. Taking an example of giant panda which inhabits in China, is an endangered species now, previously it was hunted for its fur but now after great development of infrastructure its losing its natural habitat by the process of deforestation. Establishment of zoos will save these species from dying out.

After analyzing both the perspectives, I am of the opinion that zoos have a strong advantage for both, the endangered species as well as for the society, but the animal's dignity should be maintained and they should not be exploited.

Saba, I am rewriting your essay to give you an idea of how essays of this type should be written.


- Zoos are viewed as an important part of education in our society. It is a place that helps save endangered species. However, there are some sectors that disagree with that statement due to the perceived cruelty to the animals that is believed to take place in the zoos. I believe that there are disadvantages to having animals cages in zoos as well. Although, I also believe that there are some benefits to be had from such a set up. This essay will discuss both sides of the issue and present further evidence for my personal opinion on the matter.


- Those who believe in the cruelty of zoos do so based upon the fact that the animals are taken from their native habitat and placed in man made replicas. Where the animals used to have unlimited space to roam, they are now limited by containing walls. Their amount of food supply is limited by what man gives them rather than what they can hunt. Most importantly, the animals get pampaered to the point where they lose their natural hunter and predatory instincts, thus making them ill fit to be released into the wild again should the need arise. These are all valid reasons to oppose the existence of zoos. However, the opponents of zoos fail to consider that zoos were built to help protect these animals rather than harm them.


- With the continuous deforestation and illegal activities occurring all over the world, animal habitats have become as endangered as the animals themselves. Without the help of man, who bother to rebuild a replica of their habitats and care for them, these animals would have long gone extinct. They would have been leather bags, lampshades, or hunting trophies by now if the zoos did not exist to protect them from these human predators. Zoos help prevent the extinction of these animals. Leaving them in their natural habitat is a sure way to bring about the demise of a total animal race.

- Do not discuss the aspect of animal study because those are normally done in laboratories that are not connected with zoos. Do not confuse animal testing with animal rights.

My personal opinion, is that zoos should exist because of the benefits that it offers both man and animal. While we protect these animals from extinction, in exchange, we are given an opportunity to study the animals in a controlled setting. The money that is pad to the zoo by the visitors helps to ensure their continued survival by maintaining the zoos and keeping them well fed and happy. Granted that this is not the environment that they are used to and they may not be so happy where they are. The point is that as keepers of all things that the universe has created, man has the duty to protect the race and species that cannot protect themselves. Keeping animals in zoos is considered to be a part of the answer to the call of duty to protect all animals. Whether we gain something from the set up or not does not matter. All that matters, is that the animal species continues to flourish for another generation of man to care for and learn from.

- I wrote this for you because your paper did not have a personal opinion stated.What you wrote was quite weak and does not offer an insight into your true opinion on the matter. Based upon this opinion, you can now write your essay that will present the prompt, summarize the facts, and reiterate your opinion.