Zoos

In the Sr. kids literature class, we have been having a debate on whether zoos are good for animals or not. In this article, I will be sharing my thoughts on why zoos are bad.

• Zoos feed the idea that animals are harmless. This is completely wrong. Many animals, if in the wild with you nearby, would be extremely harmful. 

• Zoos are not completely good for animals. If you doubt this one, here is a story for you. In the 1960's, there were three very mistreated animals in the Forest Park Zoo. Snowball, the polar bear, only had a pool of hose water in the summertime. Morganetta, the elephant, was always kept on a chain. Jiggs, the chimp, escaped from it all, and got shot by many officials. Jiggs and Snowball are now both stuffed and on display in the science museum. Jiggs is that chimp next to the termite nest in the African hall. 

• Zoos take away an animal's instincts. Just look at any animal in a zoo, and tell me that it would be fine in the wild. Zoo animals are used to knowing where their food and water are, and not having to hunt. 

 I think that you will be hearing more about zoos on the blog. Keep an open mind as others share their points of view