Should Elephants Live in Zoos?

For many people a trip to the zoo is a treat. Zoos give people a chance to see animals from around the world. However, some people don't think that zoos are so great. They worry that animals such as elephants shouldn't be kept in zoos.

In the wild elephants live in warm environments. They spend much of their day walking. In fact, a wild elephant may walk up to thirty miles a day. Many zoos in the United States, however, are in areas with long, cold winters. This means elephants must be kept inside where they may have little room to walk around. Even when the weather is warm and they can be outside, elephants usually cannot walk as much as they would in the wild.

For these reasons some people believe that elephants should not be kept in zoos. Carol Buckley created a park in Tennessee that is more like elephants' natural environments. She believes elephants are happier there than in zoos. Many people want zoos to send their elephants to the park.

Bill Foster, President of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, thinks differently. He argues that it is good to have elephants in zoos so people will learn about them. He thinks that learning about wild animals may play an important role in protecting them. Also, Foster believes that zoos provide an important way for people to have firsthand experience with amazing animals. Where else in the United States could a person see, hear, and even smell a real, live elephant?

We're hopeful that all those who love elephants can find a safe way for us all to enjoy these amazing animals.

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