Are Zoos Ethical?

1. Set Focus
Frame the inquiry with this essential question: How do we best protect animals from becoming endangered or extinct?

2. Read and Discuss
Have students read the debate and then answer the following questions:

• What is the issue being debated? How does it relate to current events? (The issue is whether keeping animals in zoos is ethical. The issue is timely because zoo attendance has increased during the pandemic as people have sought more outdoor recreational activities.)

• Evaluate why these two authors might be interested in and qualified to comment on this issue. (Dan Ashe heads up an organization that represents zoos and aquariums and promotes species conservation. Emma Marris researched and wrote a book about how living in captivity affects animals.)  

• Analyze Ashe’s view. (Ashe argues that modern and accredited zoos are ethical. He explains that these zoos contribute large sums of money to conservation efforts, engage in conservation breeding programs, plan rescue missions to help injured animals, conduct research related to saving animals from extinction, and educate the public about the importance of animal conservation.)

• Analyze Marris’s view. (Marris argues that zoos, even reputable ones, are not ethical. She points to evidence that shows that many animals do not enjoy living in captivity and, when confined, show signs of distress, such as pulling their hair. She points out that many zoos use drugs on some of their animals to manage their depression.)

4. Writing Prompt
In an essay, evaluate one of the debaters’ arguments. Assess whether the reasoning is valid and whether it’s supported with evidence. Point out biases or missing information.

5. Classroom Debate
Are zoos ethical? Have students use the authors’ ideas, as well as their own, in a debate.

6. Vote
Go online to vote in Upfront’s poll—and see how students across the country voted.