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The older I get the more I think that zoos are not ethical. We should instead maintain and increase wilderness areas and if humans want to see animals they should be going there or maybe watch Webcams. It’s just not right to keep animals that are used to roam large areas in small confined areas. It’s pretty much guaranteed that they will develop psychological problems. And most people who have had extended contact with animals will agree that animals have emotions and personality. They can be happy, disappointed or depressed.
Yeah, there are those who argue that conservation programs benefit from the money generated by zoos, but I still don't feel great about them. Ideally it would be nice if we could work out better ways to distribute our resources so that conservation could be funded without them.
Just as a centre for forced-work gladiator fighting or prostitution would generate income for healthcare if that was legal.
One argument I have seen is that accessible zoo animals are the best publicity for conservation efforts.

If city dwellers never get to see the world’s animals first-hand, they arguably won’t be as interested in saving them.

The concept of a Zoo should be retired. It's old fashioned, outdated and inhumane. It's not fair for animals to be thrown in to a area of space and you pay to see them look miserable. Just imagine yourself in that square of space for near 24/7, thrown a piece of meat twice a day. Its cruel and about time we should rethink of the whole process.

Zoo's need to be converted in to wildlife/nature reserves/sanctuaries with intent of looking after while involving education programs. Animal education lacks in today's society and it should be a big thing. You really want to see animals? Then buy a course package where you get exclusive view and proper education as well.

While you could argue that zoo's do go and put in high level standards; there are still zoo's out there which are cruel. and in replacement the animals get abused. Some zoo's don't have the space and that goes for countries too, like here in the United Kingdom.

That's just my 2cents on the matter. They should be converted.