What are the relationship or the impacts zoos have to its animals ?

Question

I am told that zoos are actually keep their animals for entertainment only and are unethical too animals by trading and mistreating their animals by keeping them in a cage . I am also asked to stop visiting zoos

Meanwhile, other commentators mention that zoos only keep animals who are unlikely to survive in the wild or and they don't catch random animals in the wild to be kept plus they do some conservation work .

I am in two minds . Please answer . Thank you

Answer 1

Hi Nicolaus! You're asking an important question with major ethical consideration. While the ethics of zoos can be complex, whoever told you that zoos are only for entertainment is flat out wrong. Zoos are at the forefront of conservation efforts. They are often involved in re-population efforts for endangered species both at the zoo (doing things like artificial insemination) and in the wild (by buying up land to use for conservation efforts). Additionally, zoo's are arguably the most important way tool for Public Relations efforts in regards to conservation efforts. No one wants to hear scientists talk about how the world is ending, but if you show them a panda and talk about how pandas are dying, then they will feel sad.