Lesson Plan - Do We Need Zoos?

Watch a Video
Watch the video “The Wild History of Zoos” as a class and discuss: Based on the video, how have zoos changed over time, and why? What is the current debate about zoos?

Preview Words to Know
Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know.

• unethical 
• captivity

Set a Purpose for Reading
As students read, have them think about their own experiences visiting zoos.

1. In the article’s introduction, why does the author mention the lion habitat at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago?
The author mentions the Lincoln Park Zoo’s lion habitat to provide an example of a modern zoo. The author explains that the Lincoln Park Zoo lion habitat provides green spaces, shade, shelter, and privacy for the lions and notes that “in recent years, many zoos have built bigger enclosures that resemble the animals’ natural habitats.”
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2. According to the “yes” side of the debate, why might some animals no longer exist if it weren’t for zoos?
According to the “yes” side of the debate, breeding programs at zoos have helped save species like the black-footed ferret and the California condor. This is why the author makes the claim that some animals might no longer exist if it weren’t for zoos.
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3. Summarize the main arguments made by people who are opposed to zoos.
The main arguments made by people who are opposed to zoos are that zoos are meant to entertain people rather than help animals, that zoo enclosures do not provide enough space or companionship for animals, and that life in captivity can make animals feel lonely, bored, and stressed.
^{(RI.4.2 Summarizing)}

FEATURED SKILL: Fact and Opinion
Use the skill builder “Is That a Fact?” to have students review the difference between fact and opinion and to distinguish facts from opinions related to the zoo debate.
^{(RI.4.6 Point of View)}