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Are zoos ethical in the modern age? Are zoos ethical in the modern age?
Yes, zoos are bad Yes, zoos are bad
No, zoos are good No, zoos are good
Zoo animals attack people Zoo animals attack people
Zoos remove animals from their environment Zoos remove animals from their environment
Zoos give animals poor health Zoos give animals poor health
Zoos have inadequate living conditions Zoos have inadequate living conditions
Predators born in zoos are likely to die if released Predators born in zoos are likely to die if released
Zoos are created for profit Zoos are created for profit
Zoos are unethical because they are dangerous for animals Zoos are unethical because they are dangerous for animals
Zoos conserve endangered species Zoos conserve endangered species
Zoos educate about exotic animals Zoos educate about exotic animals
Zoos provide research opportunities Zoos provide research opportunities
Zoos provide quick and advanced medical care Zoos provide quick and advanced medical care
Zoo animals have a longer life expectancy Zoo animals have a longer life expectancy
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Are zoos ethical in the modern age?
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No, zoos are good

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Zoos provide research opportunities

Scientists are able to study and better understand animals and their natural environments.
animals ethics research zoo
Peter Giljam
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The Argument

Zoos are able to conduct research on their animals to gain more knowledge about a species. They can better understand their instincts and habitat in order to better care for and help them.[1] Most zoos are primarily focused on conducting research and educating others. For example, research opportunities at zoos allow college students to gain direct experience working with wild animals.[2] Thanks to advanced research, a zoo was able to breed the first Sumatran rhino in over 100 years.[3]

Counter arguments

Humans should not be conducting research on live animals. Despite learning more about a species and its environment, it is still unethical and cruel to the animal. Zoos should not be able to conduct research on animals against their will.

Proponents

Premises

[P1] Zoos are useful for research. [P2] Most zoos are focused on researching and helping animals.

Rejecting the premises

References

  1. https://www.aza.org/research-and-science
  2. https://www.oregonzoo.org/conserve/research-zoo
  3. https://zoospensefull.com/2018/03/27/the-zoo-scientist-zoos-as-science-boosters/
This page was last edited on Thursday, 19 Mar 2020 at 16:41 UTC

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