Zoos in the U.S. get about 183 million visitors each year. More than half are 11 years old or younger. For most visitors, going to a zoo is their only chance to see wild animals up close.

“Most people don’t have the opportunity to see elephants or orangutans or wolves in the wild,” says Craig Hoover. He works for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The organization makes sure that zoos meet high standards of animal care.

Zoos in the U.S. get about 183 million visitors each year. More than half are 11 years old or younger. For most visitors, going to a zoo is their only chance to see wild animals up close.

“Most people don’t have the opportunity to see elephants or orangutans or wolves in the wild,” says Craig Hoover. He works for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The organization makes sure that zoos meet high standards of animal care. 

^{Source: Association of Zoos and Aquariums}

The best zoos educate visitors about the dangers animals face in the wild, such as habitat loss and illegal hunting. 

“Generating empathy and awareness about endangered species is critical to saving wildlife from extinction,” Hoover says.

In fact, some animals may no longer exist if it weren’t for zoos. Breeding programs at zoos have helped save the black-footed ferret, California condor, and other species. 

Also, some of the money that zoos get from visitors goes toward protecting animals in the wild. Zoos spent more than $252 million on conservation last year, according to the AZA. 

^{Source: Association of Zoos and Aquariums}

The best zoos educate visitors about the dangers animals face in the wild. This includes habitat loss and illegal hunting. 

“Generating empathy and awareness about endangered species is critical to saving wildlife from extinction,” Hoover says.

In fact, some animals might no longer exist if it weren’t for zoos. Breeding programs at zoos have helped save some animal species. They include the black-footed ferret, the California condor, and others. 

Also, some of the money that zoos get from visitors goes toward protecting animals in the wild. Zoos spent more than $252 million on conservation last year, according to the AZA.

Critics argue that even the best zoos are meant to entertain the public more than to protect animals. 

“Only a tiny fraction of their work focuses on conservation,” says Liz Cabrera Holtz. She works for an organization called World Animal Protection. “Above all, they’re simply places for people to view animals.”

Even the biggest zoo enclosures don’t provide the same amount of space an animal has in its natural habitat. For example, wild polar bears might walk or swim thousands of miles in a year. But in zoos, they often live in an area about the size of a school gym.

Critics argue that even the best zoos are meant to entertain the public. Protecting animals is not their main goal. 

“Only a tiny fraction of their work focuses on conservation,” says Liz Cabrera Holtz. She works for an organization called World Animal Protection. “Above all, they’re simply places for people to view animals.”

Some zoos have built bigger enclosures. But they aren’t nearly as big as an animal’s natural habitat. For example, wild polar bears might walk or swim thousands of miles in a year. But in zoos, they often live in an area about the size of a school gym.

^{Source: In Defense of Animals}

Cabrera Holtz says many animals need more company too. Take elephants. In the wild, they live in large close-knit family groups. But some elephants in zoos are kept in pairs or alone. 

Plus, life in captivity can be difficult for animals. Many zoo animals show signs of being lonely, bored, and stressed. That can lead to unnatural behavior. Some tigers in zoos pace back and forth, for instance, and elephants sway from side to side.

^{Source: In Defense of Animals}

Cabrera Holtz says many animals need more company too. Take elephants. In the wild, they live in large close-knit family groups. But some elephants in zoos are kept in pairs or alone.  

Plus, life in captivity can be difficult for animals. Many zoo animals show signs of being lonely and bored. Some are even stressed. That can lead to unnatural behavior. For example, some tigers in zoos pace back and forth. And elephants sway from side to side.

1. In the article’s introduction, why does the author mention the lion habitat at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago?

2. According to the “yes” side of the debate, why might some animals no longer exist if it weren’t for zoos?

3. Summarize the main arguments made by people who are opposed to zoos.

1. In the article’s introduction, why does the author mention the lion habitat at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago?

2. According to the “yes” side of the debate, why might some animals no longer exist if it weren’t for zoos?

3. Summarize the main arguments made by people who are opposed to zoos.