St. Louis Zoo Research Paper

Zoos are perhaps one of the most popular forms of museum on the planet. Some of these vast, sprawling landscapes are filled with species from every continent on the planet, representing a vast portion of life found on the earth. A child from Iowa can get the opportunity to see a polar bear, a zebra, and rare species of birds, insects, and countless other animals all in the course of a day. Zoos truly provide a unique and profound experience for those with an open and curious mind. But, the nature of a zoo is not purely entertainment. These collections of creatures big and small also serve the purpose of education, conservation, and research. These reasons are enumerated well in the mission statement of the St. Louis Zoo as “To conserve animals

and their habitats through animal management, research, recreation, and educational programs that encourage the support and enrich the experience of the public.” While zoos have had a problematic history which has continued in small pockets up until the modern day, many, zoos are moving towards a much better future for animal welfare, and are creating better programs not just for animals, but for education and research. It is because of this positive progress that we should support zoos as pillars of learning and conservation, in a time when so many species are at risk of extinction due to mankind’s errors.
It is common in modern times to think of zoos from the past as cruel to animals, even only a few decades ago many zoos were much more ill-equipped than now. More zoos were either unaware or even ignored the complex needs of an animal in captivity, and as a result, many animals suffered and died before their time. The iconography of cold cement cages holding an emaciated lion still holds strong in the psyche of many people, though many believe those days of harsh, inhumane treatment to be over. Sadly, even recently establishments such as seaworld have come under fire for their abominable treatment towards intelligent creatures. In truth there will always be bad zoos, bad trainers, and bad management. Those with personal agendas that seek monetary gain over the health and well-being of the animals, but as long as society stays vigilant and fights for the rights of the animals, healthy zoos can exist, and many do already. Every day researchers and zookeepers learn more and more on how to give optimal conditions for growth and happiness. And we will keep working towards a better future for these creatures.