Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
Are zoos ethical in the modern age?
Position‹2 of 2
No, zoos are good
Argument‹3 of 5›

Zoos conserve endangered species

Zoos protect animals that have the threat of becoming extinct.

The argument

Most zoos are concerned with the conservation of endangered and at-risk animals. Some species have larger numbers in captivity than in the wild, proving zoos are essential for keeping animals alive. Zoos are able to work together by breeding and increasing the population of different animal species. Some also attempt to reintroduce some animals back into the wild. Captivity is crucial to the survival of endangered species. Without the efforts of zookeepers, animal populations could plummet to the point of extinction.

Premises

[P1]Most zoos are dedicated to conserving endangered and at-risk animals, breeding them—sometimes to larger numbers than exist in the wild—and working together to increase populations and reintroduce some to the wild. [P2] For many species this captivity is crucial to survival, since without zookeepers' efforts their populations could plummet toward extinction. [C] Therefore, because zoos conserve endangered species, zoos are good and ethical in the modern age.

Counter-arguments

Most species are endangered due to humans. Animal populations have dropped drastically due to hunting, deforestation, and climate change. Many wild animals have survived without being captive in zoos, so human efforts to conserve species is not always needed.

Rejecting the premises

[Rejecting P2] Not all animals are found in zoos, therefore it is not essential for species survival.