Why Zoos are Good IELTS Reading Answers

1. In my view, it is perfectly possible for many species of animals living in zoos or wildlife parks to have a quality of life as high as, or higher than, in the wild. Animals in good zoos get a varied and high-quality diet with all the supplements required, and any illnesses they might have will be treated. Their movement might be somewhat restricted, but they have a safe environment in which to live, and they are spared bullying and social ostracism by others of their kind. They do not suffer from the threat or stress of predators or the irritation and pain of parasites or injuries. The average captive animal will have a greater life expectancy compared with its wild counterpart and will not die of drought, of starvation or in the jaws of a predator. A lot of very nasty things happen to truly ‘wild’ animals that simply don’t happen in good zoos, and to view a life that is ‘free’ as one that is automatically ‘good’ is, I think, an error. Furthermore, zoos serve several key purposes.
2. Firstly, zoos aid conservation. Colossal numbers of species are becoming extinct across the world, and many more are increasingly threatened and, therefore risk extinction. Moreover, some of these collapses have been sudden, dramatic and unexpected or were simply discovered very late in the day. A species protected in captivity can be bred up to provide a reservoir population against a population crash or extinction in the wild. A good number of species only exist in captivity, with many of these living in zoos. Still more only exist in the wild because they have been reintroduced from zoos, or have wild populations that have been boosted by captive bred animals. Without these efforts, fewer species would be alive today. Although reintroduction successes are few and far between, the numbers are increasing, and the very fact that species have been saved or reintroduced as a result of captive breeding proves the value of such initiatives.
3. Zoos also provide education. Many children and adults, especially those in cities, will never see a wild animal beyond a fox or pigeon. While it is true that television documentaries are becoming ever more detailed and impressive, and many natural history specimens are on display in museums, there really is nothing to compare with seeing a living creature in the flesh, hearing it, smelling it, watching what it does and having the time to absorb details. That alone will bring a greater understanding and perspective to many, and hopefully give them a greater appreciation for wildlife, conservation efforts and how they can contribute.
4. In addition to this, there is also the education that can take place in zoos through signs, talks and presentations which directly communicate information to visitors about the animals they are seeing and their place in the world. This was an area where zoos used to be lacking, but they are now increasingly sophisticated in their communication and outreach work. Many zoos also work directly to educate conservation workers in other countries, or send their animal keepers abroad to contribute their knowledge and skills to those working in zoos and reserves, thereby helping to improve conditions and reintroductions all over the world.
5. Zoos also play a key role in research. If we are to save wild species and restore and repair ecosystems we need to know about how key species live, act and react. Being able to undertake research on animals in zoos where there is less risk and fewer variables means real changes can be effected on wild populations. Finding out about, for example, the oestrus cycle of an animal of its breeding rate helps us manage wild populations. Procedures such as capturing and moving at-risk or dangerous individuals are bolstered by knowledge gained in zoos about doses for anesthetics, and by experience in handling and transporting animals. This can make a real difference to conservation efforts and to the reduction of human-animal conflicts, and can provide a knowledge base for helping with the increasing threats of habitat destruction and other problems.
6. In conclusion, considering the many ongoing global threats to the environment, it is hard for me to see zoos as anything other than essential to the long-term survival of numerous species. This was an area where zoos used to be lacking, but they are now increasingly sophisticated in their communication and outreach work. They are vital not just in terms of protecting animals, but as a means of learning about them to aid those still in the wild, as well as educating and informing the general population about these animals and their world so that they can assist or at least accept the need to be more environmentally conscious. A species protected in captivity can be bred up to provide a reservoir population against a population crash or extinction in the wild. A good number of species only exist in captivity, with many of these living in zoos.

Questions 14-19
The reading passage has five paragraphs: A – G
Choose the correct heading for each paragraph from the list of headings below
Write the correct numbers, I –XII in boxes 14-19 on your answer sheet.
NB There are more headings than paragraphs so you will not use them all.
List of headings 

1. The reasons zoos are preferable to natural settings
2. Outreach Initiatives in Modern Zoos 
3. Zoos as a Preservation Tool 
4. Understanding the behavior of wild animals through zoos
5. Zoo’s Role in Scientific Study and Preservation
6. The moral implications of zoo animal care
7. Public education addressing conservation issues 
8. Zoo: Important for the survival of species 
9. Zoo vs Wild

   14. Paragraph A

   Answer: IX - Zoo vs Wild
   Explanation: In paragraph A, the lives of animals in zoos are compared to those in the wild, highlighting their improved quality of life due to better dietary and medical care.

   15. Paragraph B

   Answer: III - Zoos as a Preservation Tool
   Explanation: Paragraph B discusses zoos and conservation, highlighting breeding operations to protect endangered species and the unique habitats of some species only found in zoos or returned to the wild.

   16. Paragraph C

   Answer: VII - Public education addressing conservation issues
   Explanation: Paragraph C emphasizes the educational value of zoos, highlighting their potential to enhance understanding of wildlife and conservation issues by providing proximity to them.

   17. Paragraph D

   Answer: II - Outreach Initiatives in Modern Zoos
   Explanation: In paragraph D, contemporary zoos run various outreach and education programs, including educational speeches, displays, and signs, aimed at teaching individuals and spreading knowledge globally.

   18. Paragraph E

   Answer: V - Zoo’s Role in Scientific Study and Preservation.

   Explanation: Zoos play a crucial role in scientific study and preservation, advancing animal behavior knowledge and supporting conservation efforts like managing wild populations and reducing animal-human conflicts.

   19. Paragraph F

   Answer:  VIII - Zoo: Important for the survival of species.
   Explanation: The significance of zoos is summed up in paragraph F, which highlights the vital role that they play in public education, conservation, and the survival of species. It restates how zoos support the preservation of biodiversity and advance knowledge of the environment and conservation requirements. 

Questions 20-26
Do the following statements agree with the information given in Reading Passage?
In boxes 20-26 on your answer sheet, write.
TRUE    if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE    if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN    if there is no information on this