Many People Believe That Zoos Are Cruel
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
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Sample essay
The practice of putting animals in artificial zones away from their natural habitats has stirred up a controversy around the world. Some people believe that this has a devastating effect on the animals but others see this as beneficial for endangered animal species. In my opinion, if managed properly, zoos can contribute to saving the lives of rare animals. Both viewpoints will be analysed in this essay in greater detail.
On the one hand, some people are against the idea of keeping animals in tiny enclosures away from their natural habitat. They are worried about the wellbeing of animals especially since many zoos are in very bad shape. They are not properly maintained. Animals are not properly fed. Nor do they receive adequate healthcare. These zoos are maintained just for the benefit of humans. They entertain people and thus enable zoo authorities to earn money. This is sad because animals also have the right to live and enjoy freedom. Humans have no right to keep them in captivity.
On the other hand, many argue that zoos contribute to protecting animals which are on the verge of being extinct. This is because zoos protect those animals from illegal hunters, poachers and dangerous conditions. For instance, tigers and crocodiles are being killed for their skin which can be sold in the black market for a lot of money. Were these animals left to live in their natural habitat, their extinction would be inevitable. Thus, keeping animals in the zoo is advantageous from this perspective. Even so, in my opinion, as far as possible the practice of keeping animals like tigers and lions in tiny enclosures should be stopped. Instead, zoo authorities should try to build spaces large enough for these animals to roam around a bit. Trenches can be built around these spaces to prevent these animals from running away or harming people.
In conclusion, after analysing both sides of the argument, it seems to me that zoos play a key role in protecting animals. As long as they are maintained properly, zoos are a safe place for animals to live and breed.
