One of my students recently told me they visited a zoo. I asked how he felt about going to zoos as some people think it’s unethical to keep animals in a confined and artificial environment for entertainment. He told me the conditions that the animals lived in were good and they seemed happy so he was ok with it. However, he told me that when he visited a zoo in Vietnam the animals all seemed sad and we went on to discuss if zoos should be banned or not.

So, I thought this week's episode could be a discussion on that exact topic. Should we ban zoos?

For the Ban #1 - Animal Welfare Concerns

Cramped (adj). Meaning: a cramped room, etc. does not have enough space for the people in it. For example, he lived for six months in a cold, cramped attic room.

Confined (adj). Meaning: (of a space or an area) small and surrounded by walls or sides. For example, it is cruel to keep animals in confined spaces.

Abnormal (adj). Meaning: different from what is usual or expected, especially in a way that worries somebody or is harmful or not wanted. For example, they thought his behaviour was abnormal.

Close-knit (adj). Meaning: of a group of people) having strong relationships with each other and taking a close, friendly interest in each other’s activities and problems. For example, the close-knit community of a small village.

Replicate (v). Meaning: (formal) to copy something exactly. For example, they failed to replicate the findings in the study.

Zoos are often seen as educational and fun places, where visitors can observe animals from around the world. However, significant animal welfare concerns suggest that zoos should be reconsidered or even banned.

Firstly, many animals in zoos are kept in cramped conditions far smaller than their natural habitats. For example, large animals like elephants and tigers, which walk for miles in the wild, are confined to small spaces in zoos. These spaces do not allow them to exhibit natural behaviours such as exploring and hunting. Such restrictions can lead to physical and psychological issues, including stress, obesity, and abnormal behaviours known as zoochosis.

Secondly, zoos often separate animals from their families, disrupting their natural social structures. Many species rely on close-knit family groups and complex social interactions for their well-being. Being isolated or placed with unfamiliar individuals can cause significant distress and anxiety.

Lastly, the artificial environments in zoos can never fully replicate the diversity and complexity of natural habitats. These environments often lack the variety of vegetation and flowers that animals interact with in the wild, which is crucial for their development and overall health. The artificial settings, designed more for human amusement than for animal comfort, can hinder natural behaviours and lead to both physical and mental health issues.

Due to these factors, the banning of zoos based on animal welfare concerns is a topic worthy of serious consideration. Alternatives such as wildlife sanctuaries and conservation programs in natural habitats should be supported to promote true animal welfare.

Against the Ban #1 - Animal Welfare and Conservation

Conservation (n). Meaning: the protection of the natural environment. For example, road development in the area has been limited by conservation programmes.

Endangered (adj). Meaning: (used especially about groups of animals, plants, etc.) at risk of no longer existing. For example, the sea turtle is an endangered species.

Breed (v). Meaning: (of animals) for a male and a female to create a baby. For example, many animals breed only at certain times of the year.

Extinct (adj). Meaning: (of a type of plant, animal, etc.) no longer in existence. For example, the red squirrel is in danger of becoming extinct in England.

Tailored (adj). Meaning: made for a particular person or purpose. For example, these lessons are tailored for upper intermediate and advanced students.

Although there are valid concerns about animal welfare in zoos, it's crucial to recognize that modern zoos play an essential role in conservation and can significantly improve animal welfare when managed properly. Zoos provide a safe environment for many endangered species, allowing them to thrive and reproduce in a controlled setting.

Firstly, zoos contribute actively to conservation through their involvement in breeding programs specifically designed for endangered species. These programs are vital for maintaining genetic diversity, which is essential for the survival and health of these species. Through such efforts, zoos have managed to reintroduce numerous species back into the wild, significantly boosting populations that are at risk of extinction.

Secondly, regarding animal welfare, many zoos now employ enrichment programs that encourage natural behaviours by simulating more natural environments. These programs are tailored to the specific needs of each species and focus on promoting physical and mental health through activities that encourage finding food, climbing, and social interaction. Such initiatives not only reduce stress and improve overall health but also ensure that the animals' lives in zoos are as engaging and natural as possible.

Lastly, the strategic management of animal populations through zoos involves the careful translocation of animals to prevent inbreeding and strengthen genetic health. This management is crucial for developing robust animal populations that are capable of thriving both in captivity and in the wild.

For the Ban #2 - Commercialisation

Compromise (n). Meaning: (between A and B) a solution to a problem in which two or more things cannot exist together as they are, in which each thing is reduced or changed slightly so that they can exist together. For example, It was a fair compromise between the two sides.

Nocturnal (adj). Meaning: (of animals) active at night. For example, owls are nocturnal animals.

Enclosure (n). Meaning: a piece of land that is surrounded by a fence or wall and is used for a particular purpose. For example, a wildlife enclosure for lions.

Inadequate (adj). Meaning: not enough; not good enough. For example, the system is inadequate for the tasks it has to perform.

Undermine (v). Meaning: to make something, especially somebody’s confidence or authority, gradually weaker or less effective. For example, our confidence in the team has been seriously undermined by their recent defeats.

One of the main ethical concerns about zoos is their commercialization, where the welfare of animals is often compromised for profit and human entertainment. This aspect of zoos raises significant moral questions about the treatment and use of animals in such settings.

Firstly, zoos often prioritise visitor satisfaction over animal welfare. This can lead to animals being displayed in ways that attract more visitors but are harmful to the animals themselves. For example, forcing nocturnal animals to be active during the day to fit zoo hours, or keeping animals in smaller, more visible enclosures that restrict their natural behaviours. Such practices emphasise the entertainment value at the cost of the animals' well-being.

Secondly, the profit motive can lead to zoos cutting costs in ways that directly harm animals. Inadequate funding for proper habitats, healthcare, and nutrition leads to poor living conditions. Animals may suffer from various health problems due to poor diets and lack of space, all because maintaining optimal conditions is often seen as too expensive.

Furthermore, the commercial nature of zoos means that they may engage in breeding practices not for conservation purposes but to increase the population of 'popular' animals that increase visitors. This selective breeding for visual appeal undermines genuine conservation efforts and focuses on generating income rather than protecting species.

In conclusion, the commercialization of zoos highlights a troubling conflict between making money and caring for animals ethically. The enjoyment of animals by humans, under conditions where the animals suffer, is fundamentally unethical and supports the argument for banning zoos.

Against the Ban #2 - Human Education

Compelling (adj). Meaning: that makes you pay attention to it because it is so interesting and exciting. For example, his eyes were strangely compelling.

Encounter (v). Meaning: to meet somebody, or discover or experience something, especially somebody/something new, unusual or unexpected. For example, She was the most remarkable woman he had ever encountered.

Foster (v). Meaning :to encourage something to develop. For example, The club's aim is to foster better relations within the community.

Preservation (n). Meaning: the act of keeping something in its original state or in good condition. For example, preservation of the building was the government's priority.

Poach (v). Meaning: to illegally hunt birds, animals or fish on somebody else’s property or without permission. For example, the elephants are poached for their tusks.

One compelling argument against banning zoos is their significant role in educating and inspiring the next generation about wildlife conservation. Zoos offer a unique platform where children and adults alike can learn about the natural world and the importance of protecting it.

Firstly, zoos provide an opportunity for people to see and connect with animals they might never encounter otherwise. This direct exposure can foster a sense of responsibility and a desire to participate in conservation efforts. For many young visitors, seeing animals in person can create a lifelong interest in wildlife. This emotional connection is crucial as it lays the foundation for future conservationists who will support environmental preservation.

Secondly, educational programs in zoos are designed to teach visitors about the challenges facing wildlife, including habitat loss, climate change, and illegal poaching. By providing this knowledge in an engaging and interactive way, zoos help people understand the complexities of conservation and the critical role humans play in addressing these issues.

Furthermore, many zoos offer programs specifically tailored to engage young people, such as zoo camps, guided tours, and hands-on activities that explain the importance of biodiversity and ecosystem health. These programs are not just informative; they are also designed to be inspiring, motivating young people to care about and take action for the natural world.

In conclusion, although the way zoos make money can be worrying, their role in education is very important. By teaching and inspiring young people, zoos help develop future wildlife supporters and conservationists. The positive educational effects provided by zoos make a strong argument against banning them. They show how zoos can help both animals and people understand the need for conservation.