A zoo is a place where you keep and show animals. Adults and children all over the world like visiting zoos. Almost every large city in the world and lots of smaller towns have zoos. They have gardens and paths that lead from one area to another. Modern zoos have gift shops, restaurants and buildings where you can learn about animals and nature. Some zoos have special areas where visitors can feed or even touch animals.
Every zoo keeps a different selection of animals. Many large zoos keep mammals, birds, reptiles and fish from all over the world in separate areas.
Zoos have many functions. Visitors can have fun and get information. Zoos also help to save wildlife. Some of the world’s animals are in danger of becoming extinct and zoos give them a place to survive. You can see animals that you may never see in your life any more. Zoos give children tours and teach classes to understand the lives of animals in a better way.
Studying animals is called zoology and people who do research on animals are called zoologists. They take care of sick animals and try to learn more about them and their bodies.