Are zoos a good thing? Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

In the modern world zoos are hugely considered as popular attractions for both adults and children. Even though they have clear benefits, I believe that there are some main drawbacks. On the one hand, advocates of zoos highlight two chief advantages for animals and public. Firstly, supporting breeding programmes, mainly endangered species, is one of the most crucial functions of artificial environments, since some of wild species might have diffuculties in finding mates and breeding or threaned by poachers.   In fact, a good zoo is a secure environment for animals to live and breed. Secondly, by bringing people and animals together zoos are said to give chances to educate people to conserve animals and inspire them to protect animals and their habitats. It is aimed to make citizens aware of animals' lives, feeding, breeding, behaivour and how their illnesses can be treated caused by human factors or natural disasters. My groupmate, for instance, who has been in all zoos of the country and the leader of the region youth club for conservation issues of wild life, really interests in wild life and encourage us to protect at the same time to take care of animals.             I, on the other hand,   belive that there are a range of harmful impacts that should be considered. Initial one is that animals often suffer physically and mentally by being enclosed. Although zoos are improved by authorities, they can not come close to their natural habits in terms of matching the space, freedom and many more. Some zoos make animals behave unnaturally, marine parks often force dolphins and whales to perform tricks, for example. Another major disadvantage of zoos could be that the vast majority captive breeding programmes do not release animals back into wild. In other words, surplus animals are sold not only to other zoos or circuses but even hunting ranches in the US or the South Africa, where a lot of money is paid for the chance to kill an animal in a fenced enclosure.             In conclusion, although zoos offer breeding programmes and potential to educate public, it is understandable that imprisoning animals for any reason is simply wrong.