Many people think that zoos are cruel. Others think they are helpful in protecting rare animals. Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

The characteristics of zoos have become a heated topic with several ideas revolving around in recent times. Some people regard zoological gardens as inhumane and unethical places while others opine they make a great contribution to the preservation of endangered animals. As far as I am concerned, I cast no doubt on the veracity of the former statement.

There is no room for doubt that the significant role of zoos in protecting animals from external factors, especially the rare ones, is indisputable. Should every animal in the zoo be fed with delicious and nutritious food by the zookeepers , they do not have to engage in the race chasing the preys or endure long periods of starvation due to drought. Animals would also have their health checked on a regular basis with a view of preventing illnesses. Noticeably, several special treatments are given to the endangered species in order to strengthen their immune system and stimulate the reproduction ability. Take the Belgian Tiger as an example. According to a crude calculation, its population is approximately 300 species but only after they are sent to zoos in America does the number of tigers increase.

However , that the zoos are vicious deepens in the minds of millions of people. It is true that animals should be left to their natural habitats such as tropical forests or rivers, not the artificial ones like zoos. Living in metal cages certainly restricts natural development and gradually loses one animal’s instinct ability. For instance, a lion, the king of the forest, is naturally able to seek food at an incredible speed on its own. Therefore, lying on the giant stone in zoos for a long time, being treated like a baby, it would become increasingly lazy, weaker and more reliable on humans . Furthermore, in some regions, animals are ruthlessly treated, and serve as the entertainment for families, lucrative tools beneficial for humans' business. On that simple grounds, zoos are unfit for animal habitations.

In conclusion, while it is advantageous for scientists and animal activists to preserve rare species in zoos, these places still appear to be brutal, unethical and unfavourable for faunas to reside in.