A bear, lazily lies on a log while people watch him. This scene is very common in the average zoo, and it's common for other things, like aquariums. I personally believe that these animal exhibits should continue to exist because they keep the animals safe from predators, they help endangered species, and they take care of injured animals.
Animal sanctuaries like zoos or aquariums help animals protect themselves from predators when they can't. In the article, Zoo Complicated, it says that, " 'Survival of killer whales in captivity has increased over the past 30 years,' says Doug DeMaster," This shows that orcas drastically are able to survive more in captivity than in the wild. Because there's no predators, they can be safe. And considering that orcas are endangered, they might go extinct.
I believe that animals should be held in captivity because they can help endangered species. Zoos: Fighting to Save Endangered Species states, "Because of poaching and habitat loss, the world's population of wild tigers has declined from 100,000 to fewer than 4,000. They are classified as highly endangered, and some species are critically endangered." Going back to the 1st paragraph, without these sanctuaries, animals will cease to exist. They are also dying rapidly, so zoos should do the best they can to keep them in captivity.
Another reason why animals should be kept in zoos and aquariums is because they take care of injured animals. "Sometimes the motivation is to rescue an animal or a group of animals. Hawks that fly into windows, black bears that roam through human towns, and harbor seals that swim into propellers often end up in zoos (Zoo Complicated)". Since these animals are hurt and in need to care, zoos and aquariums are specialized in healing them back to good and releasing them. Without these kinds of sanctuaries to care for animals, tons would die and might go extinct.
Some people may argue that animals deserve to be in the wild, where they were originally from. But, some animals are not able to take care of themselves. If they can't protect themselves, a lot will die. Others think that if you lock up animals in captivity, they can have mental problems. While this is true, zoos are trying to help endangered species from becoming even more endangered. If you just leave those animals out in the wild, many things could kill them. Also, some may say to leave the animals alone because if you take car3e of them, they can't learn how to fend for themselves. But, there are some things that animals can't fix on their own, like heal a broken leg. So, we need veterinarians and zoos to put them in those facilities to care for them.
In conclusion, I believe that animals should be able to be held in captivity. Facilities like zoos and aquariums keep the animals safe from predators, help endangered animals reproduce to stop their endangerment, and they take care of injured animals.
its my 7th grade persuading essay