There are lots of zoos and wildlife parks across the UK that people enjoy visiting. In an interview with The Guardian newspaper, David Field, president of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, said there are some zoos in the UK and around the world that he believes should be closed because they don't meet animal welfare standards. He said there are currently checks into some polar bear exhibits where temperatures are higher than the animals' natural habitat. He also said that some zoos can't provide enough space for larger animals to thrive. However, Field also pointed out that zoos can play an important role in saving some animals. They also breed species to be reintroduced into places where they had died out. What do you think? Should all zoos be closed?
Yes – zoos aren't good places for animals Although enclosures at zoos are bigger than they used to be, the animals are still limited in how much they can move around. This is a particular problem for very large animals like elephants. In the wild, animals would have the choice to wander freely wherever they like but this isn't possible in zoos. Earlier this year, the Born Free Foundation – which works to protect animals in the wild and in captivity – released a report saying that species such as chimpanzees and orangutans can suffer from stress and heart disease when kept in captivity. Living in a zoo can also affect animals' mental health. This doesn't seem fair on the animals and they shouldn't be kept in captivity, even if people enjoy going to see them.
No – zoos do important conservation work It wouldn't make sense to close all zoos – some zoos do amazing work to boost endangered species. In November, Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo in Wales welcomed the birth of a black rhino. These animals are critically endangered in the wild, so the zoo said this was a big achievement in its efforts to help boost the species. London Zoo is home to at least 12 species that are extinct in the wild. Zoos are also important for educating people. Visitors learn about species, including their natural habitats, diets and the threats to them in the wild. By improving understanding, this could inspire people to help protect wildlife in future. Besides, some animals wouldn't have anywhere to go if their zoo was closed.
