Blog Reflection: What roles if any should zoos play in conservation/education? Is it ethical to keep animal in zoos?Do you enjoy visiting zoos?

The role of zoos in conservation and protection of endangered species is definitely crucial. For instance, many zoos nurse injured animals. However, when it comes to conservation, some zoos especially the profit-oriented ones are more inclined towards the capitalisation of public curiosity rather than sustaining the proper habitat of animals. More emphasis should be put on mimicking the natural habitat of the animals. A non-natural habitat for any animal, leads to stress and a disturbed psychology. Zoos are not for all animals. I believe that it is unethical to capture animals from a cold natural habitat and raise them in a warm climate. For instance, it is dreadful to have in capture a polar bear in a country like Mexico, or a kangaroo in Alaska. Therefore, all animals deserve the respect of being raised in their natural climate. Zoos play a big role, in educating people and zoo keepers about animals and biodiversity. However, it is important that we also educate people about the natural ecosystem of these captured animals. Many people today sees zoos as an entertainment without paying close attention to whether proper guidelines are followed by zoos. For instance, cages of certain zoos in Winnipeg, are not of a proper size for big animals such as bears. However, bears have been found to live longer in zoos than in the wild. Therefore, in order to maintain this trend, it is crucial that these animals are treated with due respect in accordance with their natural habitat. On the other hand, animals like elephants live less longer in zoos than in the wild. Therefore, it is important that zoos take into consideration these aspects before introducing animals in a non-natural habitat. Close monitoring of guidelines should be of uttermost importance by the government in order to ensure proper treatment of all animals. I personally do enjoy going to the zoo, however, I am disinclined to say that I have ever seen any animals looking happy or necessarily enjoying being where they are. According to me, all animals should have sovereign rights and thus be free to choose where is best for them to live. Therefore, zoos should be mainly focused on conservation and protection rather then public interest.
Retrieved from: http://www.whenwegetthere.com/tourist_attraction/land_tourist_attractions/zoos/4_154/top_rated_tourist_attractions.jsp