In the past, zoos were places where we saw single animals in small, empty cages. Today zoos are changing in design; animals have more space, and some live in groups. Many zoos try to put animals in an environment that is similar to where they live in the wild. Some people who believe in animal rights argue against having zoos, because they think it is wrong to put animals in cages. I support the idea of having zoos, Because they allow us to see wild animals that we cannot see otherwise, and they help endangered species from becoming extinct.
The first reason for having zoos is that they allow people to see wild animals that they could not see otherwise. Zoos are the only places for most people who live in cities to see wild animals. Seeing wild animals on nature documentary programs or in books is not the same thing as seeing animals in real life. Zoos educate people about wild animals and teach them to understand and care about them. That is why there are school trips to the zoo. Where the zookeepers tell students about the animals.
Secondly, many endangered species would become extinct if we did not have zoos. Zoos have saved numerous species from dying out or have helped animals get healthier and returned them back to the wild. For example, San Diego Zoo in California has special programs to save the giant pandas and white rhinoceroses. There is also a great deal of research that goes on in many zoos to study animal behavior.
In conclusion, zoos have a valuable role to play: they have an educational role and help to preserve certain species. It is important for animals to be treated well and kept in an environment which is as natural as possible. Many zoos today are responding to their critics and changing the way they keep animals so that they can continue their role without harming animals.