“Animals in zoos are confined in unnatural conditions. A cheetah, the fastest land animal, cannot reach her top speed of 60 mph when confined in a cage. An elephant, which may walk 17 miles a day in the wild, cannot do so in her tiny barren enclosure,” writes a spokesperson for the Captive Animals’ Protection Society. “The zoo industry may argue that such animals do not need to hunt or forage for food, or migrate with the seasons, but this simply reveals how unnatural a captive life is for wild animals. These animals are designed for a life in the wild, not for a life in a zoo for the amusement of humans. It is now down to the public to express their concern by avoiding zoos.” They are not alone in their opinion, either. Many animal rights activists also protest against holding animals in captivity.

Organizations like Animal Liberation Victoria rigorously debate zoos as positive forces of change. They argue that only 120 out of 5,926 endangered species are in breeding programs in zoos, not to mention animals like elephants and pandas are difficult to breed in captivity. Small populations may resort to inbreeding, which produces weaker offspring. The lack of survival instincts, poaching and habitat destruction threatens the survival of re-introduced wild animals anyway. Therefore, the argument that these animal exhibits promote conservation of exotic animals is a myth, ALV of Australia argues.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), is another wild animals protection organization opposed to zoological facilities, enclosed pens and wildlife spectacles. “Animals are often prevented from doing most of the things that are natural and important to them, like running, roaming, flying, climbing, foraging, choosing a partner, and being with others of their own kind,” their website says. “Zoos teach people that it is acceptable to interfere with animals and keep them locked up in captivity, where they are bored, cramped, lonely, deprived of all control over their lives, and far from their natural homes.”

“Freedom is the last, best hope of the Earth,” said Abraham Lincoln. The concept of freedom is a universal and enduring one. The idea that this freedom shouldn’t apply to wild animals because they are “subservient” to man is wrong. This devaluing of exotic animals’ lives has undeniably contributed to countless animal deaths and habitat destruction. Each year, so much public money is poured into zoos, many of which can’t possibly sustain themselves, given rising costs and debts. Organizations like ALV and PETA argue that this money is much better spent on preserves, anti-poaching efforts, habitat conservation and lobbying efforts.

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Are you looking for a way to teach your kids about animals and increase their interest in science? The best way to create a healthy interest in biology early on is to look into special zoo education programs aimed at captivating an audience from as young as 3 years of age. Whether it’s dining at the zoo, nighttime tours and campfires or a hands-on classroom experience, your kids will love being catered to at the zoo! Here is some zoo info on a few of the best programs happening across the country and around the world.

A London Zoo has recently received two awards for its zoo education programs. In 2004, the United Kingdom’s Chester Zoo won the Sandford Award (run by The Council for Environmental Education). Judges called the Chester zoological park “an excellent resource” and said that “nothing could compare to seeing live, wild animals at close quarters.” In 2009, the zoo won this same award again. Zoo head of Discovery and Learning, Stephen McKeown, explained: “The awards take into account our whole approach to conservation education, including taught educational discovery programs for schools, interactive materials, award-winning signage at animal enclosures around the zoo and extensive library facilities. What makes us different from a normal classroom is the environment we occupy and the 7,000 animals within it. Seeing and handling things from live snakes to snake skins and exploring the x-rays of animals opens up a whole new world that more and more students are now taking advantage of.” The Chester Zoo is just one of many parks offering unprecedented access to exotic animals.

Many opportunities are available for zoo education at the Houston Zoo. As their mission statement plainly says: “By promoting connections with the natural world through diverse learning experiences, we strive to empower others to inquire, act and conserve.” Teachers and students can visit the zoo for free and enjoy a number of special activities, including an Adventure Class (where students touch animals and artifacts in a hands-on lab simulation), Eco-Tracks (where students watch a 30-minute video and take a self-guided tour) or Critter Encounters (where students watch a factual 20-minute presentation). There are also overnight adventures, which include dinner, continental breakfast, interactive activities, petting zoos, guided walks and two park admissions for $45. Kids ages 10-12 can attend Zoo Keeper Camp to learn about the day-to-day activities of animal caregivers for $425. Other “Zoofari” camp events allow children to build their own large-scale animal zoo, learn how species adapt to new environments and partner up with conservationists.

Zoo education programs are ideal for regular visitors who are looking for a special tour or activity that goes over-and-beyond the typical tour. Whether it’s dining at the zoo or staying the night, these programs are designed to captivate anyone’s attention, no matter if you’re 30 or 3. More often than not, you can register for these special zoo activities online at the zoo’s website, which is a convenient way to secure your position and avoid disappointment. Special discounts are available for zoo members.

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