Are zoos ethical in the modern age?

Encyclopedia of Opinion

Question: Are zoos ethical in the modern age?
Position‹2 of 2: No, zoos are good
Argument‹4 of 5›: Zoos educate about exotic animals

People learn more information about exotic animals while visiting zoos.

The argument

Zoos can be used as tools to educate people about exotic animals. Zoo visitors are able to see a wild animal closely while learning about their behavior and the environment they live in. Zoos may be the only opportunity for someone to see a wild animal. That species may not be native to that area or could be dangerous if encountered in the wild. A study found that zoos and aquariums educate people about ecosystems and biodiversity.

Premises

[P1]Zoos let visitors see wild animals up close while learning about their behavior and habitats, and a study found zoos and aquariums educate people about ecosystems and biodiversity. [P2] For many people a zoo is the only chance to see a given species, which may not be native to their area or would be dangerous to encounter in the wild. [C] Because they serve as valuable tools for educating the public about exotic animals, zoos are good.

Counter-arguments

People are able to learn about animals in other ways, so zoos are not necessary for education. Zoos only show what a wild animal looks like in person, and do little to educate beyond that. Most people visit zoos for entertainment, not to gain more information on exotic animals.

Rejecting the premises

[Rejecting P1] Zoos are not the only way people can learn about wild animals.