Should animals be kept in zoos? ⏲️ 6 Minute English

Summary

In this episode of BBC Learning English, Neil and Georgie discuss the controversial topic of whether animals should be kept in zoos. They explore arguments for and against zoos, highlighting their role in education, conservation, and research, especially for endangered species. On the other hand, concerns are raised about the physical and psychological harm that captivity causes to animals. They delve into the effects of zoochosis, a condition seen in animals displaying abnormal behaviors due to stress. The episode encourages reflection on the ethical and practical implications of keeping animals in zoos.

Takeaways

• 😀 Zoos are a controversial topic, with both strong support and criticism. Supporters argue that zoos provide education and help protect endangered species, while critics highlight the negative impact on animal welfare.
• 😀 One of the main arguments in favor of zoos is that they serve as educational tools, teaching people about conservation and endangered species, especially schoolchildren who visit zoos.
• 😀 Zoos invest in research programs aimed at helping endangered animals, including efforts to encourage mating in species like pandas, which are notoriously reluctant to reproduce.
• 😀 The idiom 'it takes two to tango' is used to describe activities that require cooperation between two participants, such as pandas mating.
• 😀 Critics of zoos, such as animal-rights activists, argue that captivity harms animals both physically and psychologically, leading to abnormal behaviors like pacing, head-bobbing, and self-harm.
• 😀 'Zoochosis' refers to the abnormal, repetitive behaviors displayed by animals in captivity as a result of stress and confinement, including pacing and rocking.
• 😀 Zoos cannot fully replicate the natural environments of wild animals, leading to significant stress, as seen with animals like polar bears in warmer climates.
• 😀 Some scientists compare zoochosis to human traumas, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and argue that captivity can be even more damaging.
• 😀 Despite the arguments against zoos, they remain popular, attracting millions of visitors each year, highlighting their ongoing cultural and educational importance.
• 😀 In 2022, five animals escaped from Sydney's Taronga Zoo, and the escaped animals were lions, not zebras, as Georgie initially guessed in the quiz.

Q & A

What are the two main arguments in favor of keeping animals in zoos?

The two main arguments in favor of zoos are education and conservation. Zoos are considered valuable for teaching people about nature and conservation, as well as protecting endangered species through breeding programs.

What is 'zoocosis', and why is it a concern in zoos?

'Zoochosis' refers to abnormal behaviors displayed by animals in captivity, such as pacing, head-bobbing, and self-harm. This is a concern because it indicates that the animals are stressed due to their confined environments, which can negatively affect their physical and psychological well-being.

What does the phrase 'it takes two to tango' mean in the context of zoos?

The idiom 'it takes two to tango' is used in the context of zoos to explain that both male and female animals are required to participate willingly for successful mating, such as in the case of pandas, who need assistance in breeding due to their reluctance to mate naturally.

What is the main concern raised by animal rights activist Nikita Dhawan regarding zoos?

Nikita Dhawan argues that zoos negatively impact animals' physical and psychological health. She highlights that animals in captivity often display abnormal behaviors and that zoos cannot replicate the natural habitats of these animals, leading to significant stress.

How does the script describe the behavior of animals in zoos?

The script describes how animals in zoos often exhibit abnormal behaviors like pacing, head-bobbing, and stereotypical actions. These behaviors are signs of mental distress caused by the confinement and unnatural living conditions of captivity.

What role do zoos play in the conservation of endangered species?

Zoos play a crucial role in the conservation of endangered species by providing a safe environment for breeding programs. These programs aim to protect species from extinction by encouraging reproduction, which may be difficult in the wild.

What was the question raised at the beginning of the program about the animals that escaped from Sydney's Taronga Zoo?

The question asked was which animals escaped from Sydney's Taronga Zoo in 2022. The options were elephants, lions, or zebras. The correct answer was lions.

Why do some people consider zoos cruel to animals?

Some people believe zoos are cruel because they separate animals from their natural habitats, which can lead to stress and abnormal behaviors. The confinement and inability to roam freely can be seen as a form of cruelty to wild animals.

What is the connection between pandas and zoos mentioned in the script?

The script discusses how pandas are reluctant to mate due to their solitary nature and a narrow fertility window for females. Zoos invest in research and breeding programs to encourage pandas to reproduce, helping to prevent their extinction.

What is the significance of the phrase 'reluctant to mate' in the context of pandas?

The phrase 'reluctant to mate' refers to pandas being slow or unwilling to reproduce naturally. This is a challenge for conservation efforts, but zoos help by providing assistance to encourage mating among pandas.