The first zoo I ever visited as a child was the Atlanta zoo. I remember telling my mom that when I got older, I would buy the season pass so I could stay there and watch the animals for as long as I wanted.
Since then, I’ve become more educated about animal rights and the plight of wild animals in captivity. My heart breaks when I see a bear or a gorilla pacing back and forth in a small enclosure. But, I believe that zoos offer an incredible educational experience, can aid in conservation awareness and, when operated appropriately, can be humane.
Zoos allow you to see animals from all over the world in one place. Without zoos, you would have to fly to China to see pandas, India to see tigers and Kenya to see elephants. Of course, that wouldn’t be possible for most, so your only exposure to these magnificent creatures would be through photographs. There is something so special about seeing wild animals in person: watching them feed, observing the movements and sounds they make and noticing how they interact with one another. These experiences are possible because zoos exist.
Reading facts about each species at the exhibits and listening to the animal caretakers talk can cause visitors to be more aware of the natural world around them and become educated on the urgent issues facing many species in their natural homes. With relatively affordable entrance fees, people of any financial status can step into this other-worldly experience. People who wouldn’t be able to afford an international vacation in order to see foreign species in their natural habitat are able to see and learn about those animals close to home.
According to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, educational programs within zoos have trained more than 400,000 teachers with award-winning science curricula. Furthermore, a nationwide study by AZA found that “visits to zoos and aquariums prompt individuals to reconsider their role in environmental problems and see themselves as part of the solution.”
Another benefit of zoos is their participation in wildlife rehabilitation. According to AZA, at least nine species have been saved from extinction through the breeding and reintroduction programs of accredited zoos, and there are currently 117 of these programs.
In conclusion, I believe that as humans we should be mindful of the impact that we have towards living things, ensuring that zoos are not a place where animals suffer but where they thrive and can be rehabilitated and preserved. I believe that this balance is possible.
