Carrie Derr

SLM 521

December 3, 2003

People visit zoos all over the world to see exotic animals that are normally found only in the wild. Most people would never have a chance to see these animals unless they were found in a zoo. Zoos provide a way for people to become educated about animals, but they also mean that animals are forced to live in captivity, or in an enclosed area. There is a great debate right now about whether or not animals should be kept in zoos or allowed to live free in the wild.

You will need to visit both the websites listed below and read the information to determine if you believe that animals may be kept in zoos for educational reasons, or if they should be kept free. After you have read the articles and formed your own opinion, you will complete the following activity.

You have been assigned to create a new zoo-one that will allow animals all the room and space they need, but still remain in a zoo environment. You will need to make a list of the animals you wish to have in your zoo and then draw a map of the zoo, indicating where the animals will be placed within the zoo. Lists of animals may be found at the National Zoo site. You choose which you feel would be the best for your zoo.

The sites to visit are:

The National Zoo: http://nationalzoo.si.edu/publications/pressmaterials/stateofthezoo/faq.cfm - Q1

You must read the question labeled: Why does it seem like a lot of zoo animals have died recently.

PETA:

http://peta.org/mc/facts/fsent3.html