Have you ever been to a zoo? You were probably able to see many animals that you had only ever seen in a science textbook. The experience you had at the zoo was probably memorable and taught you things you never knew before.Zoos allow animals to live in a safe environment. These animals do not have to worry about the threat or stress of predators. They do not have to deal with the irritation or pain of injuries and illnesses that they would if they lived in the wild. Animals in the zoo are given top-quality treatment when they are hurt or in need of special care. The animals are hydrated and fed, and zookeepers are sure to give them a high-quality diet with all the nutrients needed. A good zoo provides great care and protection for the animals in their care. Because there are many species of animals in danger of going extinct, zoos provide an even more important role in our world. Zoos help protect species going extinct. A species that is kept in captivity is a zoo’s effort to help rebuild the population. Once the population is rebuilt, the zoos can reintroduce the animals to the wild. Without zoos, many more species would be extinct. When an animal species is extinct, there is no new research that can be done. Many children and adults enjoy seeing animals in person. Kids learn seeing, hearing, smelling and watching what an animal does. This allows humans to have a greater understanding of animal species that they would never have had the chance to learn about if zoos did not exist. When we as humans have opportunities to learn about the animals on our planet, we can make the right decisions in order to keep our ecosystems successfully functioning.
1. What is the author’s message? In the other circles (4), write the author’s evidence and reasons you found in the text.
2. Why did the author write this?
3. Find one sentence that supports the author’s claim that zoos are an enjoyable experience for visitors.
4. What claim is the author making in paragraph 2?
5. Find one piece of evidence that supports your answer to #4.
