IELTS writing task 2 - Zoo Whether or not we should keep animals in zoos is perhaps one of the most controversial topics in recent years. People of both sides of view have strong reasons, which I would like to demonstrate here. The opponents of zoos believe that animals should always live in their natural habitat and the zoo which was originally invented to capture animals for the purpose of human’s entertainment is for sure not pleasant for animals. They are always imprisoned in limited space and deprived of activities like hunting and feeding offspring. A result from this is that many animals in zoos suffer from physical and mental illnesses, from obesity to repetitive behaviors. Not to mention those circuses who trained animals against their nature to please the audiences. Briefly, zoos are one of the commercial and selfish human activities that to some extent accelerate the distinction of species. On the other hand, although natural habitat is definitely much better for animals, it is not true for some endangered species. To keep them in an artificial environment with stable temperature and humidity and to protect them from their predators might be the only chance for these animals to survive. What’s more, the educational role of zoos cannot be neglected. After all, not everyone has the opportunity to observe animals in the wild. Most of us learn animals by visiting the zoo. It is from that we see the importance of preserving the diversity of species. From my personal view, the value of zoos in preservation and education outweighs the downsides. The zoos should continue to perform their functions as long as the regulations of breeding and exhibition are fully respected and the animals are properly treated.