NO

Provide security

It is true that in zoos animals are confined to small spaces and that they cannot adapt to the artificial environment. It is also true that in in situ conservation (national parks and sanctuaries), in spite of strict vigil, animals are poached. As a result, some species are on the verge of extinction. At least they are safe in zoos. So zoos should not be banned, but steps should be taken to increase the areas of enclosures and create forest-like ambience for the animals to adapt better.

Soham Acharya,

Class X, Patha Bhavan,Calcutta

Proper healthcare

Granted that caged life is inhumane. That is why zoos are adopting the concept of “reverse zoo”, where visitors are in cages and the animals in their natural habitat. Only zoos can help in instilling an understanding of animals in the young. Plus, they are equipped to provide healthcare to ailing animals, whose dietary regime and well-being cannot be monitored in the wild. Another important point is that rare and exotic species on the verge of extinction can be bred only in well-run zoos or sanctuaries.

Jishnu Datta,

First year, BA LLB, Calcutta University, Calcutta

Children benefit

There are pretty extraordinary animals out there. They live in unique habitats, where we cannot go at will. An enclosure replicating the habitat with enough space will help people, especially, children know more about them and get a real world experience.

Anuron Mullik,

Fourth year, Narula Institute of Technology, Calcutta

They’re saviours

Many want zoos banned. But that is foolish as most zoos protect endangered animals, which is not possible in their natural habitat. Poachers cannot hunt in zoos but can do so easily in the animals’ natural habitat. Also, wounded animals can be treated in zoos. So zoos should certainly not be banned.

Oneeka Kundu,

Class X, Hartley Higher Secondary School, Calcutta

YES

Locked down life

During lockdown, when we were asked to stay home, we felt like being locked up in a cage and cursed the situation. Do we ever think of what the animals in zoos go through? We were locked in for only a few months, they spend years in cages. We should set them free in their habitats, take care of them and ensure they don’t harm anyone. Safaris are a better way because no animal is caged even as we see them and enjoy the sight.

Ridhima Mittal,

Class X, The Heritage School, Calcutta

Prisons, not homes

Zoos are prisons rather than homes. An animal may live longer in a zoo but it is a dejected and lonely life. For us it can be a source of entertainment and for some a spring for income but from the animal’s perspective, it is no less than a life of a prisoner in a confined space, with not much to do away from home. So steps should be taken to ban all zoos and set the animals in them free.

Bhoomi Holani,

Class VIII, Mahadevi Birla Shishu Vihar, Calcutta

Nature hampered

In a zoo, the natural behaviour of animals is hampered — the way they hunt, rummage or swim in the rivers and live independently in the forests. It is unethical to confine them to cages.

Rehan Sheikh,

Class VII, South Point High School, Calcutta

Cared for but captive

In most zoos across the world, animals lead a captive lifestyle. Though they are taken good care of, they are deprived of a free life and the captivity kills them from inside. In this digital era, if the zoos are closed and instead the animals are shown virtually, it may be a good solution — visitors will get a chance to see the animals while the animals get back a free life.

Ankit Das,

Class X, Madhyamgram High School, Madhyamgram, West Bengal

Life in a jail

Someone comes to your house, tears you away from your family and jails you for life. How would you feel? Humans do not have the right to capture animals, tear them from their families and jail them, even if the animal is endangered. Animals are abused, not given enough space and exercise, and they suffer from stress and depression. Many die prematurely because of bad diet, insufficient exercise and poor living conditions. In the zoos, polar bears get only about 10 metres of space whereas in their natural environment, they walk hundreds of kilometres.

Md Amid Khan,

Class IX, M.M. Model School, Calcutta