You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people think that wild animals should not be kept in Zoos. However, others believe that there are good reasons to have Zoos in the 21st century.
Discuss both view and give your opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experiences.
You should write at least 250 words.
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Sample Essay 1
The debate over whether wild animals should reside in zoos illuminates a complex intersection of ethical, environmental, and educational considerations. On one hand, critics argue that confining animals to zoos deprives them of their natural habitats and freedoms, suggesting a moral misstep in the way we relate to the natural world. Conversely, proponents posit that zoos play a pivotal role in conservation, education, and research, offering tangible benefits in the 21st century. This essay explores both perspectives, ultimately advocating for a balanced approach that prioritizes animal welfare and conservation efforts.
Detractors of zoos highlight the intrinsic value of freedom and natural living conditions for wild animals, asserting that zoos, regardless of their quality, cannot replicate the complex ecosystems and social structures experienced in the wild. Instances where animals display signs of stress and behavioral abnormalities in captivity further fuel this argument, emphasizing the ethical quandary of prioritizing human entertainment over animal well-being. The crux of this viewpoint rests on a fundamental belief in the rights of animals to live as they would in their untouched habitats, free from human-imposed constraints.
On the flip side, zoos serve as modern arks of hope amidst the biodiversity crisis, offering sanctuary for endangered species through carefully managed breeding programs and research aimed at conservation. Educational programs within zoos have the power to foster a connection between visitors and the natural world, cultivating a sense of responsibility towards environmental stewardship. For example, the rewilding success stories of the California condor and the golden lion tamarin underscore the potential of zoos to contribute positively to species survival and habitat restoration.
In conclusion, while the ethical concerns associated with zoos are valid, dismissing their potential contributions to conservation and education outright overlooks the nuanced role they can play in the broader environmental context. A future where zoos prioritize naturalistic habitats, animal welfare, and conservation over mere spectacle can reconcile the divergent views, ensuring that zoos not only exist but thrive in a manner that respects and benefits the wild animals they house.
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Sample Essay 2
Some people believe that keeping wild animals in zoos is not the right thing to do, while others argued that there are logical reasons to have zoos in this century. Though zoos can be a good medium of education and entertainment, in my opinion, letting animals live in their natural habitats is the best practice for the long run.
On the one hand, education and entertainment in zoos are the two major reasons why they exist in countries. Showcasing diverse groups of rare species, zoos offer an incredible opportunity to learn about the animals at first hand and enjoy their thrilling presence from a close distance. Research shows that watching wild animals in the flesh makes it easier for children to study the animals with visual illustration which is more practical and proven effective in the long run. For example, students who went to the zoo can talk and present the information regarding the animals much better than that of the pupils who went through only textbooks.
On the other hand, leaving animals as they live in their natural habitats is important for maintaining ecological balance. It helps us live in a balanced existence of flora and fauna because some species live or others and thus curb the uncontrolled growth of any specific group of animals that might damage the ecological equity. Also, some giant creatures can ward off illegal logging and other environmental hazardous activities in the wild by posing their predatory threats to the intruders. Evidence shows that forest lands and environment are more optimal in those areas where the animals live free in their unaffected real habitats.
However, despite the massive educational and amusing benefits, I believe that treating animals in zoos for the sake of study and entertainment at the cost of their natural livings and environmental degradation is never a sustainable practice.
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Sample Essay 3
The question of whether wild animals should be kept in zoos is a polarizing issue, engendering a plethora of opinions. On one hand, detractors argue that confining animals to zoos strips them of their natural habitats and freedoms; on the other, proponents posit that zoos play a crucial role in conservation, education, and research in our contemporary world. This essay will explore both viewpoints before concluding with a reasoned perspective.
Critics of zoos contend that the artificial environments provided for wild animals are fundamentally inadequate when compared to their natural ecosystems. They highlight the psychological stress and health problems animals face when confined to limited spaces, lacking the complexity and diversity of their natural habitats. Furthermore, the ethical dilemma of depriving sentient beings of their freedom for human entertainment is increasingly scrutinized. For instance, the documented behaviors of pacing and self-harm in captive animals underscore the profound impact of confinement on their well-being.
Conversely, supporters of zoos argue that modern zoological parks are indispensable for the survival of numerous species. In the face of habitat destruction, poaching, and climate change, zoos offer a sanctuary for endangered species, often facilitating breeding programs aimed at reintroducing animals into the wild. Moreover, zoos serve as educational platforms, fostering a connection between visitors and wildlife, which is paramount for raising awareness and support for conservation efforts. The successful conservation story of the California Condor, which was brought back from the brink of extinction through zoo-led initiatives, exemplifies the positive impact zoos can have on species preservation.
In conclusion, while the debate over the morality and efficacy of zoos is complex, it is evident that when managed ethically and with a focus on conservation and education, zoos can serve as vital bastions for wildlife preservation in the 21st century. Nonetheless, it is imperative that the zoo community continues to evolve, ensuring that the welfare of the animals in their care is paramount, and that their contributions to conservation are both tangible and significant.
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