10 Reasons Zoos Are Bad for the Planet

A Brief History of Zoos
Humans have kept wild animals for thousands of years. The first efforts to keep 
wild and exotic animals for non-utilitarian uses began about 2500 BCE, when 
rulers in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and China kept collections in enclosed pens. 
Modern zoos began to evolve during the 18th century and the Age of 
Enlightenment, when scientific interest in zoology, as well as the study of animal 
behaviour and anatomy, came to the fore.
Arguments for Zoos:
1.
 
By bringing people and animals together, zoos educate the public and 
foster an appreciation of the other species.
2.
 
Zoos save endangered species by bringing them into a safe environment, 
where they are protected from poachers, habitat loss, starvation, and 
predators.
3.
 
Many zoos have breeding programs for endangered species. In the wild, 
these individuals might have trouble finding mates and breeding, and 
species could become extinct.
4.
 
Reputable zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums are 
held to high standards for the treatment of their resident animals. 
According to the AZA, accreditation means, "official recognition and 
approval of a zoo or aquarium by a group of experts."
5.
 
A good zoo provides an enriched habitat in which the animals are never 
bored, are well cared for, and have plenty of space.
6.
 
Zoos are a tradition, and a visit to a zoo is a wholesome, family activity.

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7.
 
Seeing an animal in person is a much more personal and more memorable 
experience than seeing that animal in a nature documentary and is more 
likely to foster an empathetic attitude toward animals.