What do you think of zoos?

[CBC News]

From mysterious deaths (see story) to keepers being charged by elephants (see story), zoos have been in the news this week.

What do you think of zoos? Are they an important place to learn about animals or an outdated form of captivity?
IN DEPTH
The debate over zoos


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[missile]

Cage all the freaks who run our streets and let the animals run free:smile:

 

[Scott Free]

Great hunting! :lol:

Too much security :angry3:

 

[darkbeaver]

Zoos are terrible examples of mans domination of the natural world, all these captive animals are tortured prisoners.

 

[eh1eh]

Zoos provide much information about any given species as well as captive breeding which has helped some animals in the wild. Sort of a double edged sword of captive animals being tortured prisoners and humanity striving for a better tomorrow.

 

[karrie]

I think zoos have a place and a purpose. And properly run, they can be a great home for animals that are in ever increasing danger. I hear so often people saying 'let them free!' But no one can really explain why they want them free to be hunted, to face droughts and starvation. I think they have their purpose as much as any farm does. Or as much purpose as owning a dog of your very own has.

 

[darkbeaver]

I think zoos have a place and a purpose. And properly run, they can be a great home for animals that are in ever increasing danger. I hear so often people saying 'let them free!' But no one can really explain why they want them free to be hunted, to face droughts and starvation. I think they have their purpose as much as any farm does. Or as much purpose as owning a dog of your very own has.

99% of zoo animals polled by ipsos ried expressed thier preferrence for freedom and self determination.

 

[eh1eh]

99% of zoo animals polled by ipsos ried expressed thier preferrence for freedom and self determination.

19 times out of 20

 

[talloola]

I love the idea of becoming acquainted and learning about many wild animals, but over the
years zoos have been 'horrible', but have improved greatly to present, BUT there is a long
way to go, and we should never look at any of the animals and realize that they want to 'get
out', but that, they are happy and feel free and have lots of room to roam.

The circus situation should be abolished, and any people travelling with wild animals for show, as many of them are mistreated.

We all need to know the animals, to appreciate them, to love them, and respect them.