Zoos are something that many of us take for granted, as most provinces within Canada have at least one of these establishments or something similar. Some think that it is cruel to keep wild animals in captivity. Still, there are many benefits that these creatures receive when being looked after. Zoos bring a great deal of pleasure to those who visit them, but this is not the only reason zoos exist.
Preservation
Many different animals run wild throughout the world. Unfortunately, many times they are hunted and killed for no good reason. Over time there is a danger of these animals becoming extinct. Then, there are occasions when humans have overtaken their natural habitat, and some species cannot survive.
The Zoo’s Part
Zoos play an essential role in making sure that endangered species are protected. Officials will make every attempt to find healthy pairs and then bring them to the zoo. Here they get a chance to breed in a safe environment.
Release
When breeding programs are successful, there is an opportunity to release some animals back into the wild. For example, in Portugal, there were two Iberian lynx that were released from captivity to re-populate.
Education
Another critical aspect of zoos is that they can act as a learning platform. Professionals can observe animals, so what is learnt can be used to help in their preservation. Animals kept in zoos are housed in areas that mimic their natural habitat as close as possible. When the animals are studied in a secure environment such as this, people can learn what is needed to keep their natural habitats safe and preserve these areas. This can be instrumental in protecting the animals by preserving the land in which they need to survive.
Entertainment
Not everyone gets the chance to see animals from other parts of the world. Being able to go to a zoo and see them is a great privilege. Provided it is a trustworthy establishment following all of the mandates that zoos are expected to have. Most of which do, and the government of Canada and other organizations track these establishments carefully. It is the money that comes from paying visitors that helps to support these animals. This is why as many people as possible must make sure they visit them and enjoy what they have to offer.