Similarities Between Zoos And Aquariums

Improved Essays
From Diversion to Preservation
The places where entertainment equals learning any day of the year. Where the wonders of Mother Nature are portrayed, and also offer an opportunity for its visitors to experience a temporary disconnection from the real world. Zoos and aquariums cultivate an appreciation for wildlife because they attract people from all ages, visitors can appreciate animals closer, and people learn about wildlife with tours, pamphlets and experiences. First, these places attract people from all ages successfully. From children to seniors, zoos and aquariums are meant for the whole family in comparison to other public places. Both places offer the most complete information about the displayed species. The Director of the American
…show more content…
With guided tours or boards, people deeply learn about animals, leaving with something to think about. Zoos throughout the country consider the exhibition of animals as their second mission, being the education of its visitors to contribute the preservation and assistance of animals the ultimate one (Masci). Zoos and aquariums are a vivid experience that both shows and teach us the importance of wildlife in a fun way. Zoos and aquariums are intended for educational purposes the majority of the time. President of Ocean Journey, James Hekkers insists, “We see education as our primary goal, as what we’re all about, we need to let people know what’s happening in the world and inspire them to want to do something about it” (qtd. in Masci). Normally, we think we know about animals, yet while attending to any of these places, there is always something new to learn; such as different specimens, diverse habitats accompanied with contact with nature in general. Visitors are usually inspired to pursue different ways to preserve the wildlife, or at least, they share their visit to attract more visitors. Michael Hutchins, the Director of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association confirms, “With knowledge comes appreciation and concern. The wildlife experiences that people have at professionally managed zoos and aquariums are becoming even more essential in an increasingly urbanized world” (qtd in. Masci). We need a reminder from nature to protect it, as cities only keep growing, taking natural resources with

Related Documents

  • Great Essays

    John Alroy associates the lack of spaces with the necessity to go through the effort of caring for species that are not endangered or extinct, such as primates, carnivores and ungulates (930). These species are mostly expensive to maintain in captivity (Alroy 930), and it is a waste of money considering there are some animals that have to be protected from the extinction. However, these animals serve as the main drivers of attendance as people visit zoo mostly to see and interact with them, and their interest in a zoo without them may be low thus reducing the funding and decreasing the quality…

    • 1773 Words
    • 8 Pages
    Great Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Just zoos alone bring in billions of dollars a year, and a ton of employment opportunities, but the real question is if it is worth it. It is important to see all of the ethics behind captivity, and to know what goes on inside the zoos and aquaria that the spectators cannot see. This is a leading question for many wildlife ethicists and…

    • 827 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Primate Observation

    • 962 Words
    • 4 Pages

    A trip to the zoo is always enlightening as no matter how long ago it was we last visited we can always forget something about the animals that live this world with us. Going to the zoo can remind us that we are creatures just like these animals, but also remind us that we are so much more than just animals. Our lives on the surface seem so much more complex than the primates around us, however if we could take the time to observe the lives and the emotions of the animals around us then maybe we can learn who they are, and maybe who we are. The primate that I picked was a mongooses lemur, native to Madagascar.…

    • 962 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Decent Essays

    Zoos are helping less and less of animals each year that are going extinct, zoos are providing a safer environment for the animals. As Dr Dave Hone form The University of London “Zoo's protect against a species going extinct.” (Hone, Dr. Dave. "Why Zoos Are Good."). Zoo’s are a safe place where animals can live and they won't have to worry about not getting food or other animals that would attack them.…

    • 384 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Decent Essays
  • Improved Essays

    The Benefits Of Zoos

    • 1084 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Zoos have been a popular destination for people for as long as they have existed. It is exciting to go see the animals. People can feel the joy of spending time with family and friends while also experiencing the closeness of wild animals. It can create quite a rush and bring excitement to those peering through the animal’s habitat. There are many things that bring people to the zoo and many good deeds done by the zoo.…

    • 1084 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    From zoos, to aquariums, to petting zoos, and even our own pets, humans have always been fascinated by animals, and have gone to certain extents to use them for learning purposes, preservation, survival, companionship, and occasionally entertainment. Menageries allow people to learn about animals from a safe distance and see some animals which they would never have seen if it were not for wildlife parks. Many argue that captive animals are not happy in their environment, and should be set free from zoos in their natural habitat. Although many find captivity cruel and unnecessary, having animals in captivity is beneficial to our society as well as to captive animals because when done right, endangered species are protected and well taken care of, people are able to experience beautiful wildlife,…

    • 1172 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    The Maryland Zoo Dichotomy

    • 1047 Words
    • 5 Pages

    The long, spotted neck of a giraffe gracefully swooped down to the biscuit I nervously held in the air. I have never felt more humbled to stand before such a grandiose animal, nor more present in and aware of the fascinations of nature. Historically, zoos have come a long way from entertainment facilities to conservations education centers designed to inspire its audiences. Yet, they have always been controversial even until this day. According to architect and zoo director David Hancocks, author of A Different Nature: The Paradoxical World of Zoos and Their Uncertain Future, zoos have served as an ironic dichotomy of a “humans hold for Nature while simultaneously seeking to dominate it and smother its very wilderness (Hancocks, 6).”…

    • 1047 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    4th Grade Science Classes

    • 336 Words
    • 2 Pages

    The 4th grade science classes are going to learn about organisms’ structure and characteristics such as specific ways to obtain food, reproduce and survive. The science classes consists of 30 students in each class (3 class periods) at Jones Salk Elementary. The students are going to create a journal on their observations about organisms’ structure and characteristics. The students will observe different organisms that they liked. They will write down what they observed in their journals.…

    • 336 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Animal Cruelty In Zoos

    • 1146 Words
    • 5 Pages

    Imagine a young helpless animal being taken from its home in the wildlife and held in captivity, behind bars and gates, held a prisoner to the world. Each year, thousands of animals are ripped away from their homes and their families and are used for entertainment. Zoos are a popular attraction for kids and adults; it gives people the opportunity to get up close and personal with some their favorite animals. Zoos even allow people to feed and pet the animals, which make zoos very well-liked and enjoyable amongst all the animals’ lovers. What people tend to overlook when visiting these zoos is all the nutritional and emotional deprivation the animals go through each day, nor does anyone know the animal cruelty that goes on when the zoos are closed.…

    • 1146 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Improved Essays

    Zoos can help care for animals in need and can better help their health. Zoos are a safe and happy place for animals to grow and evolve and for children and families to come and experience the joy of a zoo. Animals are able to live their lives to the fullest while being at zoos. In a report from Frontline "A Whale Of A Business,” by Eric Holt, states "Those who work with captive animals in aquariums and zoos have a special obligation to convey knowledge of the natural world to the public, to interpret the lives of animals accurately .." The article talks about how the workers at zoos are prepared to take care of any problem with any animal.…

    • 730 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Superior Essays

    Zoos, aquariums, and circuses. These places have been part of most childhoods, and have created many memories. Circuses show animals jumping through animals, doing superhuman feats. Aquariums display exotic and rare sea creatures for enjoyment, and zoos exhibit extraordinary animals. Many people have taken these places for granted.…

    • 1288 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Superior Essays
  • Improved Essays

    With the biotic world still being destroyed and harmed at an alarming rate, entire biomes are endangered and whole ecosystems are threatened by anthropogenic pressures. These changes globally have impelled zoos and aquariums to create and establish conservation benefits. This coupled with the growth in economic rationalism and the rise of corporate management, rationalises the feasibility of projects in terms of economic efficiencies. Which has seen the battle between balancing of public entertainment and money with the welfare of animals. It is argued that zoos need to maintain a more concentrated engagement with a range of ethical and pragmatic consideration in the appraisal of animal welfare under the conditions for research.…

    • 617 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Superior Essays

    Zoochosis In Zoo Animals

    • 1815 Words
    • 7 Pages

    Stepping inside a zoo is like setting foot in the wild; with the only difference that the animals are enclosed behind bars and some are within a distance for public safety. Zoo animals, who are held in captivity, are restrained from having the freedom they were evolved to take advantage from because they are preserved for public education and amusement. What may seem like a friendly establishment for wild animals is in reality a park where animals: are used for “educational” purposes, are deprived from having an adequate environment where they can act like animals, suffer from stereotypical behaviors where their behaviors alternate, and are considered to be money makers rather than animals who are being preserved. When humans enjoy visitations…

    • 1815 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Superior Essays
  • Improved Essays

    The Importance Of Zoos

    • 798 Words
    • 4 Pages

    However, by creating zoos that are enriching and natural and strive to meet an animal’s needs, we can create hope that these species will stay with us for longer, and that they can live happy, fulfilled lives in a world where animals are cared for and…

    • 798 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Improved Essays
  • Decent Essays

    Against Zoos Essay

    • 715 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Have you ever been to a zoo? Zoos are very popular and everyone has been to at least one, at some point in their life. They are known for showing off the wild animals, and educating you on them at the same time. I don’t think zoos do very well with that. To me, a zoo is a large business that captures wild animals and changes their lives forever.…

    • 715 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Decent Essays