Zoos, do we need tbem?

[Tamerlane]

I’ll just quote myself from 2007:

@Tamerlane

As I’ve stated before in these sort of discussions, zoos in my mind are vital for exactly one reason - education of the young. I think it is important for young people to see actual, physical animals, marvel at them and perhaps learn a smidgeon in the process. I know they had a real impact on me as a child ( and I attended after school/weekend programs at the SF Zoo in the 1970’s ) and I’ve seen the positive impact they’ve had on my nieces/nephews. It’s really where a lot of young environmentalists get their start and that’s a good thing.

Captive breeing programs are also of limited, but admittedly for the most part probably very limited, utility.

But mostly it’s for the young. We should strive to improve zoos as much as possible, but I think they serve a genuine purpose that for urban kids in particular might be irreplaceable. MHO.