Prompt: Are zoos inhumane? Prompt: Some people think that zoos are all cruel and should be closed down . Others however believe that zoos can be useful in protecting wild animals.  Discuss both opinions and give your own opinion.

Nowadays almost every city has a zoo, keeping and displaying various wild animals. However, there is a dispute on whether zoos are cruel or not. I will examine both sides and then give my own opinion. Ċ Some argue zoos are cruel, largely because they believe animals may suffer from living in zoos, where wild animals are caged These creatures do not have enough space to move around and are separated from their family and friends. Zoos are especially cruel for animals that are born in the wild but forced out of their natural habitat. For them, the new environment in zoos could be hard to adjust to. Depression and physical problems may therefore emerge and damage the life quality of wild animals. In some cases, keepers mistreating animals adds to the cruelty of zoos. For example, animals may suffer from not having enough food and water. Ċ There are two main reasons why some people believe zoos can good for wild animal protection. First, zoos protect endangered species by offering them much-needed shelter. Having lost their natural habitat, some animals have to rely on zoos for space and food. In this sense, zoos are vital for them to survive and multiply. If all zoos were closed down, these creatures, with no natural habitats left, would have nowhere to seek refuge. Second, zoos raise people's awareness of wildlife protection. Zoos enable people to get close to wild animals and to know how they live. In this way, visitors would develop an affection for wild creatures. Ċ As far as I am concerned, zoos, with their facilities and expertise in keeping animals, could be helpful in protecting endangered species from extinction.