It has been said that zoos no longer serve a useful purpose. I believe this statement may be based on the fact that can now learn about animals in other ways, such as through television documentaries, books, and even travel to the animals’ natural habitats. Others say that zoos are artificial environments that do the animals more harm than good. In my opinion, these arguments do have some merit but do not outweigh the advantages of zoos as centers for education and conservation.

The primary purpose of a zoo is to educate. It provides people with an opportunity to see live animals at close quarters. Furthermore, these are animals that most people would never see otherwise. They may be from areas that are far any or inaccessible. Moreover, they may be rare and difficult to see in the wild. While books and videos can provide people with information about such animals, nothing can equal the effect of seeing a live animal. Allowing people to see live animals, especially rare ones, can also help the zoo achieve another important goal — to promote conservation. People who feel a connection with animals are more likely to support programs to protect natural habitats and outlaw hunting. In addition, the zoo can take an active role by providing rare animals with a protected environment and working to increase their numbers.

In conclusion, there is no doubt in my mind that zoos still serve a vital function in today’s society. They not only educate and conserve, but also allow people to experience a connection with animals. And it is this connection that may be the greatest benefit to both people and animals.