In “Zoos Cause Animals Far More Harm Than Good”, Rosenberger raises one of modern society’s most important and urgent problems. The author tries to convey to the reader that those who support zoos also support animal torture. Zoos are a collection of interesting exhibits, not a home for living creatures, although zoo workers constantly state that they care about animals and love them. Such institutions have accustomed people to the idea that people can forcibly remove animals from their natural habitat and confine them in cramped cages where they suffer from boredom and loneliness. Zoos are thought to introduce people to animals and save rare species from extinction, but, as practice shows, they often do not justify either of these goals. This article contains information based on research, analysis, and practical observations. The author uses ethos, logos, and pathos in his writing to convey the importance of this issue and to convey as accurately as possible the message that zoos only harm animals.
The author uses factual information in the introduction, which immediately piques the reader’s interest: “Animal exhibitors use their licenses to operate roadside petting zoos and aviaries, which are notoriously cruel to animals” (Rosenberger, 2019, para. 2). The author also uses the statement that animal exhibitors use their licenses to operate roadside zoos and pet enclosures that are notorious for animal cruelty (Rosenberger, 2019). This sentence reinforces the reader’s impression and makes the reader think more deeply about the problem. In addition, the sentences in the introduction are written in simple language, without complicated terminology, which can also be interesting and understandable to readers of all ages and backgrounds. The introduction also includes background information that the American Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) has accredited 233 zoos and aquariums (Rosenberger, 2019). This information helps the reader understand that the authorities are interested in this problem and that organizations have been created to address it.
The thesis in this article is unclear, and the last sentence of the introduction is written ineffectively. The author should have used more specific statements describing the article’s topic and conveying the problem’s importance. Rosenberger used generalized sentences that express only the concern of keeping animals in zoos. The thesis of this article can be phrased this way: “People must understand that zoos harm animals and stop visiting and sponsoring them.” This version will help the reader understand that the article will discuss why animals should not be kept in captivity, sponsor zoos, and encourage children to attend such institutions.
It is worth noting that zoos often sell or kill animals that no longer attract visitors. Deer, tigers, lions, and other animals are sold to farms where hunters pay for the “privilege” of killing them, and some animals are slaughtered for meat and skin. Other surplus animals are sold to experimental laboratories or less advanced zoos. In the 21st century, people must understand that they are responsible for all endangered animal species. If humanity does not realize this soon, most species will be lost irretrievably. Most people think that zoos are the ones that help stop the extinction process, but that is not the case. In zoos, animals get used to humans, lose their instinct for self-preservation and lead a sedentary life, which can hurt their health.
The main paragraph of the article undoubtedly includes a topic sentence: “Zoos claim to save wild animals, but wild animals in zoos are turned into commodities and given inadequate habitats” (Rosenberger, 2019). The author explained some of the terms, such as “charismatic fauna. With these explanations, the reader will better understand what he is reading and not have to consult other sources. Rosenberg uses some evidence, including the percentage of wildlife population having been wiped out between 1970 and 2014. The author uses this evidence to support the topic and convince the reader that the information is credible and people can trust the article. The article is also supported by a 2008 study conducted by scientists at the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom. This study found that most captive-bred carnivores released into the wild do not survive the transition (Rosenberger, 2019). The author has left links to all the resources, which confirms their credibility and inspires confidence in the reader.
Rosenberger has done a good job of describing the problem of animal harm in zoos. The author emphasizes ways to solve the problem and evidence that enhance the reader’s impression of the article. Her article is important and relevant because people need to take responsibility for their mistakes in the modern world. Now more than ever, we can see that most animal species are disappearing because of human activities. The author has perfectly conveyed this idea with much evidence and analytical data. Rosenberger wrote the article in simple language to reach as many categories of people as possible. As many people as possible should read this article, as it fully communicates the issue of animal torture.
Reference
Rosenberger, Z. (2019). Zoos cause animals far more harm than good. Sentient Media. Web.