IELTS Writing Task 2: Zoos

Zoos have existed for centuries, but opinion about them is sharply divided. Some people regard them as cruel places that should be closed, while others argue that they play a vital role in protecting endangered species. In my view, well-run zoos are worth keeping, provided that animal welfare comes before entertainment.

Those who oppose zoos argue that wild animals do not belong in captivity. Large mammals such as elephants and polar bears naturally roam over huge distances, yet in a zoo they may spend their whole lives in an enclosure smaller than a football pitch. This can lead to stress and repetitive behaviour, such as pacing up and down. Critics also point out that animals are sometimes kept mainly to attract paying visitors, which treats living creatures as a form of amusement.

On the other hand, supporters maintain that modern zoos do important conservation work. Breeding programmes have saved several species from extinction, and some animals have even been returned to the wild as a result. Zoos also fund research and educate the public. A child who sees a tiger at close range is far more likely to care about its survival than one who has only seen it on a screen.

On balance, I believe the conservation argument is stronger, but only for zoos that meet high standards. Enclosures should resemble natural habitats as closely as possible, and species that clearly suffer in captivity should not be kept at all. Zoos that exist purely for profit ought to be closed or reformed.

In conclusion, although keeping animals in captivity raises real ethical concerns, good zoos make a valuable contribution to protecting wildlife. The aim should be to improve them, not to abolish them.