The argument for zoos is often that they serve to educate the public, they give people who can’t afford to travel a chance to see the animals, and that zoos serve as important conservation centers. Contrary to people’s beliefs the costs of keeping animals in zoos far outweigh the benefits. All animals in a zoo or menagerie are kept in an enclosure, displayed to the public, and given access to veterinary care. Some zoos even put humans on display involuntarily, keeping them in cages well into the 20th century. However, a zoo is not the correct substitute for a forest. Zoos rebranded in the 1970s as the public became informed to the suffering of zoo animals. Today, zoos provide opportunities for public education and entertainment, as well as scientific research and conservation. There are about 2,800 licensed animal exhibitors throughout the U.S., which include zoos, circuses, petting farms, wildlife and … Brown believes zoos play an important role in wildlife education and conservation, and if they disappear, then the world will lack important institutions needed to protect the environment. More than 180 million people visit the zoo in the United States each year. Importance of Conservation Education: zookeepers can describe the role that zoos play in educating the public and why this is important for conservation of species. Works Cited The education myth. Zoos save … For those of you that want to see rigorous research on the efficacy of zoos as formal education venues, I’m afraid you’re going to be frustrated. By bringing people and animals together, zoos educate the public and foster an appreciation of the other species. It is a two sided argument and I believe both sides raise a number of worthwhile points. They also create awareness among the public about the nature of animals and make people friendly with animals. The Positives Zoos are… In fact, in order for a world without zoos to be the same as one with zoos, Brown said two things must happen. But they all focus on general zoo visitors rather than formal education groups. Advocates will say zoos … The Zoo is very necessary place for some animals to stay safe as they could be hunted down, poisoned by some wild food, or could drown in water in the forest. Zoos have a public stance of claiming to protect the endangered species and to educate the general public (Captive Animals, 2010). Unfortunately, the old culturally ingrained definition remains in the minds of many enthusiastic zoo opponents. Arguments for Zoos . Zoos have always been a topic of debate, with conflicts between those who argue they save endangered species and educate the public, to animal rights activists who believe the costs outweigh the benefits. 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