Research - The research carried out by zoos is vital in the conservation of endangered species and to advance the care for both captive and wild animals. The research covers topics such as conservation and survival of endangered species, improvement of husbandry veterinary procedures, to better understand species in our care or of interest and to interaction between wild animals and captive bred animals. Research in captivity is done in conjunction with research in the wild but there are some questions that can only be answered in captivity, questions that further work in the wild and in conservation, so zoos are especially important. Without research in captivity or that funded by zoos the success of conservation work would be jeopardized.
Funding and resources - Money is raised by zoos in a variety of ways such as entrance fees, souvenir sale, donations and sponsors. This money is used for research, conservation and captive breeding programs. Without this money much of the conservation work would not be possible. Zoos don’t just stop at giving money. They also send their keepers, curators, veterinarians, and researchers and other staff to places such as Africa, Asia, and South America. These are areas that contain the largest share of the earth's biodiversity, but they do not always have the money, knowledge, or resources to manage the environment effectively. By sending staff people in the areas can be taught modern techniques of animal care and conservation. Zoos also sponsor veterinary laboratories and field wok as well as education programs for local people. The people can learn to respect the wild life and help its preservation.
Education - As well as education in other countries, zoos provide a center in the local community to develop public awareness and understanding of the need for conservation. This ensures future generations live in a society where the environment matters and that they continue and develop the conservation work being done at the present.
Despite these good points there are also bad points. Probably the strongest argument against zoo is that keeping animals in captivity is a violation of animal rights. Many people see it as unethical to put animals in zoos; that animals have equal right to humans; that one of their basic rights is freedom and this is being denied to them in captivity.
Keeping animals in captivity has been observed to cause certain stereotypical behavior, like repetitive pacing up and down their enclosure and chewing bars. This behavior is seen as proof of the negative psychological effect of captivity on animals and that it is cruel to subject them to it.
A bear in Rio zoo displaying "stereotypical behavior".
Life in the wild is complex, unpredictable and frequently dangerous, but wild animals have evolved over thousands of years to meet the challenges of survival in their natural habitat. Keeping an animal away from natural predators and the challenges of a wild life may increase the longevity of some individuals, but for certain species such as elephants and orcas, captivity seems to reduce life expectancy.
Traditional zoos are viewed by some as unnecessary because many of the animals kept are not under any threat at all and are merely kept for the entertainment of visitors. This is most often the case so where does one draw the line between a useful zoo and a collection of entertaining animals? This is a question lots want an answer for before they can make a decisions weather zoos have a useful role or not.
Although all British and European zoo have laws and regulations they have to abide by to be licensed this is not he case in many non-European counties. This can often lead to cruelty to the animals. For example they are forced to line in cramped conditions without enough food or any environmental stimulus. This causes the animals to suffer from boredom, malnutrition, and physical and mental disorders, obviously distressing for the animals. By allowing zoos in our country we could be encourages zoo in places that do not have the same respect for animals and as result are as described above.
Over all there are both good and bad aspects of zoos and their role. Do zoos justify themselves by their conservation work or this simple a excuse to adhere to an outdated tradition?
