A zoo is a public place where living animals are kept in some type of enclosure. For aquatic animals, a zoo can be an aquarium, for the purpose of this debate we are including aquariums as zoos. We also feel that wildlife centers, safari parks, and refuge centers can be thought of as zoos. However, circuses are not included because circuses are different from zoos. A circus uses animals exclusively to entertain people. A zoo provides animal entertainment for people as only part of its purpose.

Some of us are going to try to convince you that zoos are necessary. We will argue that zoos help prevent extinction, provideprotection and care for animals, and help us learn more about animals and their habitats. Others of us are going to try to persuade you that animals should not be confined to zoos. We will argue that such confinement can cause death and disease. We will also argue that it is not natural to confine animals, and that zoos do not always provide protection and care.

What do YOU think about zoos?
Do you strongly agree, agree, disagree, or strongly disagree? Use the template provided. Check off the box that best supports how you feel and then write a statement to support your opinion.

Students will move to the four corners of the room with other students who share their opinion. Can you convince someone who originally does not agree with you to move to your corner of the room? To get someone to agree with you, your statement must be strong with supporting evidence.

Can you get everyone in the class to agree with you?