Zooa Should Not Be Closed
If anybody could witness the look of amazement and wonder on the face of a six-year old child as he, or she, sees an elephant, a snake or a gorilla for the very first time, it is unlikely that zoos would ever again be put on the defensive.
Of course, in our society when someone mentions the word "zoo" there are people who will immediately voice their negative opinions that zoos should be closed down as it is similar to a prison for animals, for the sheer benefit of an unappreciative audience. Nothing could be further from the truth. Animals in zoos live enriched lives: they are fit and healthy, able to breed and raise their young. Zoos are specifically designed and constructed in such a way that they can cater for all the various needs of animals; physically, psychologically and socially. The spaces in which animals live in zoos reflect the native habitat of the animal.
I certainly believe that zoos are a rich educational source whereby many people can learn about the behaviour and habits of animals, otherwise alien to them. Students and teachers have access to learning about the habits and lifestyles of elephants, tigers, chimps and red pandas (to name a few) from zoos. So apart from being a rich source of entertainment, zoos also function to provide us with many insights into the lifestyles of various animals. The zoo offers a really great day out for all.
Modern zoos are managed by caring professionals who devote their lives to the welfare of animals and to understanding their needs; they adhere to the strict codes of practice in animal welfare laid down by European and global associations.
In 2001, a total of 963,053 people visited Dublin zoo, the highest ever in the 180-year history of the zoo. All age groups, nationalities and different walks of life were represented - 50,000 of them were schoolchildren who visited as part of their formal education. Nearly all children love animals and certainly zoos exist to help them express this love and
Of course, in our society when someone mentions the word "zoo" there are people who will immediately voice their negative opinions that zoos should be closed down as it is similar to a prison for animals, for the sheer benefit of an unappreciative audience. Nothing could be further from the truth. Animals in zoos live enriched lives: they are fit and healthy, able to breed and raise their young. Zoos are specifically designed and constructed in such a way that they can cater for all the various needs of animals; physically, psychologically and socially. The spaces in which animals live in zoos reflect the native habitat of the animal.
I certainly believe that zoos are a rich educational source whereby many people can learn about the behaviour and habits of animals, otherwise alien to them. Students and teachers have access to learning about the habits and lifestyles of elephants, tigers, chimps and red pandas (to name a few) from zoos. So apart from being a rich source of entertainment, zoos also function to provide us with many insights into the lifestyles of various animals. The zoo offers a really great day out for all.
Modern zoos are managed by caring professionals who devote their lives to the welfare of animals and to understanding their needs; they adhere to the strict codes of practice in animal welfare laid down by European and global associations.
In 2001, a total of 963,053 people visited Dublin zoo, the highest ever in the 180-year history of the zoo. All age groups, nationalities and different walks of life were represented - 50,000 of them were schoolchildren who visited as part of their formal education. Nearly all children love animals and certainly zoos exist to help them express this love and