Why zoos are important

1. Zoos’ main purpose is conservation. Zoos breed and care for endangered animals, some of which are literally extinct in the wild. There are more than thirty unique and special animal species that are considered “extinct in the wild.” Meaning that, without zoos, they would have been gone forever, probably a long time ago.

2. Zoos strive to educate the public about the beauty and importance of animals they might never have heard of otherwise. Most people would never hear of animals like the tapir, the kudu, the condor, the ocelot, or the marmoset (among others) if they never went to a zoo. Many people still don’t. But how many kids, after going to the zoo, have made a new favorite animal? How many of you did? I did, many times. Zoos (with the help of other things) inspired me to go into the field of Zoology, where I hope to use my career and life to help these animals. If a kid’s never seen a bear in real life, or a tiger, or an elephant, how much do you think they’re going to take notice?

3. Zoos take in animals that were injured, seized from illegal situations, or otherwise compromised. They strive to either rehabilitate them or keep them in a safe, comfortable environment. Most animals that are taken from the illegal pet trade or other such illegal trades are not fit to be released into the wild. Many have become accustomed to relying on humans for food and other necessities. In the wild, they would continue to seek human help, putting both them and the humans in serious danger (especially in the context of big cats, bears, and other predators).