Your Name
Argumentative Essay
Ms. Agresti
April 13, 2015
Zoos are Helpful
Do you ever feel sad when you look at animals in a zoo? Well you shouldn’t.
Zoos help animals in a variety of different ways. They allow animals to live safely in controlled environments. Animals are protected in zoos from poachers, their land being destroyed, and even from other animals. Zoos are helpful for animals because often they are endangered in their natural habitat, their zoo habitats are specifically designed for them, and research facilities help scientists learn more about them.
First, animals are sometimes endangered in their own natural habitat.
Sometimes they are in danger or poachers, illegal hunters, or land destruction. Or sometimes they are simply in danger from other animals. In the article, “The Swazi
Eleven” the author writes, “In Swaziland, as in other parts of Africa, elephants have struggled to survive. Humans have taken so much land in Africa and occupy so much space that most animals are confined to game parks. Fifty years ago there weren’t even any elephants in Swaziland. They had all died or been killed off by hunters”
(“The Swazi Eleven”, par. 7). Animals, such as elephants, were having a hard time surviving in Africa in the wild. They were being killed illegally for their tusks and their land was being taken away from them. This was such a problem that they almost became extinct. The solution to this problem was to find zoos to put the elephants in so that they could start to repopulate and live safely with each other.

Next, zoos try to make the habitats of different animals as close to their real home as possible. They want the animal to be comfortable and for it to feel natural.
In one instance, the Phoenix zoo was taking in endangered animals from Africa. This was a good fit for those animals because, “The climate is similar to where they live”
(“Phoenix Zoo Helps Save Endangered Animals”, 0:48). The zookeepers try to make the animals feel as “at home” as possible. For example, “Zookeepers now understand that many animals, such as monkeys, bears, and elephants need engaging activities to prevent boredom. This is why you’ll often see chimps playing with toys or tigers ‘hunting’ for a meal” (“Zoos: The Historical Debate”, par. 7). Zoos even try to copy the activities that the animals would experience in a normal day so that they are entertained. The zoo wants the habitats to be as natural as possible so that the animals stay healthy.
Lastly, zoos give scientists a great opportunity to conduct research and study animals to help with conservation and preservation. One article states, “Zoos also give scientists a chance to conduct research. In 2002, zoos participated in 2,230 research and conservation projects in more than 80 countries. The information they gather helps them to develop new medicines and techniques to improve animal health” (“Zoos: The Historical Debate”, par. 8). Scientists would never be able to learn about animals if it were not for zoos. A zoo allows them to study the animals in a safe space both for the animal and the scientist. Many animals have been saved and been saved from being almost extinct because of research and different conservation projects that are conducted in zoos.

Zoos are helpful for animals because often they are endangered in their natural habitat, their zoo habitats are specifically designed for them, and research facilities help scientists learn more about them. Zoos help animals stay in a safe environment where they can get enough food, water, and exercise without having to worry about poachers or land destruction. Zoos help scientists study animals in a safe and controlled environment so that future generations know more about how to protect them. Zoos also allow people to learn about and value animals which creates a positive mindset toward all animals on the planet!