Zoos, a place where animals and humans have the opportunity to connect. Zoos give people an experience that would otherwise be impossible. This remarkable and historical institution has been present through centuries, bringing two living beings together that would most likely never have met. For humans it seems like a perfect creation, but for animals it doesn’t seem to be the case. Animals lovers are divided on this issue, are zoos truly beneficial to animals? Next time you are at a zoo, you must wonder, is it worth it? Is it worth it for animals to be living in sometimes deplorable conditions for their own benefit? Some argue that zoos benefit the greater good for animals. Zoo programs such as Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Species Survival Plan maintain healthy populations of animals and save many endangered species. Others think that human/animal relations are a vital and positive outcome of zoos. This congenial relationship leads to more people becoming ardent about animals and wanting to protect their rights, whether that be by advocating against animal testing, poaching, or abuse. Although many animal lovers believe that the possible, positive outcome of zoos is not enough to excuse the retched conditions that these animals endure. Animals live in confinement in fear for their mental and physical well-being when zoos are truly only concerned about the profit they receive from exploiting this helpless animals. Do you believe in going to zoos and either supporting the benefits they ream for animal’s welfare? Or do you denounce this practice for all the harm it does onto helpless animals? The first claims is that zoos are necessary for their conservation successes, the second claims is that zoos do more harm than good, and lastly zoos lead to a relationship between animals and humans. The three links included in this web page will elaborate on each of these different perspectives, while the "Further Reading" link will give you the opportunity to learn what academics are contributing to this ongoing discourse.