Notes

Natalie Greulich
Ms.Tangel
English
6/18/15
Should Zoos and Animal Parks Stay Open?

Zoos and animal parks should not be phased out because zoos have a big part of saving endangered and sick animals, they are a large source of entertainment in our society, and they are educational and may teach people all about the different kinds of organisms in them.
Last February, my family and I went to "Sea Life Aquarium" in Concord, North Carolina. While we were visiting, the aquatic personnel told us that they had just rescued a tiger shark from a beach in South Carolina. They took us to a secluded area away from all the other tanks. The shark was young and weak, so they needed to give her special attention. They fed, watched, and took care of her, but kept her away from all the other fish in the other tanks. They informed us that once she regained her health, they would put her back with the other fish. We asked why the people who rescued her didn't just send her to a nearby aquarium instead
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of sending her to this aquarium, which was about 350 miles away. They told us that the "Sea Life Aquarium" was the closest aquarium that would take an injured shark. My family and I were shocked and were speechless. We couldn't believe that there were no aquariums close by. We were extremely worried because if the "Sea Life Aquarium" hadn't been there, the tiger shark probably wouldn't have lived. Zoos and animal parks must stay open because they play a huge role in saving sick and endangered animals.
Counterclaim: *Who is against “Sea Life Aquarium” (citation)
Rebuttal: Why this counterclaim doesn’t tell the whole story

Aside from saving endangered and sick animals, zoos and animal parks provide entertainment for people of all ages. According to the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, “Zoos and aquariums worldwide receive more than 700-million visitors annually". We humans are curious by nature and have an inherent desire to explore the unknown and discover environments foreign to our own. I also think that when we visit zoos and animal parks, it calms and relaxes us. According to "Two Oceans Aquarium's", "The "Kelp Forest Exhibit" at the Two Oceans Aquarium has this calming effect on visitors. On many occasions I have experienced an almost tangible sense of awe emanating from onlookers. The tranquility of the display coupled with its beauty and the swaying motion of the kelp fronds transports people to a world far removed from the chaos of this one." Zoos provide entertainment as well as loving homes for the organisms that live there.
Counterclaim:
Rebuttal:


Zoos and animal parks are also educational and they teach us more and more about the organisms that live there.
Evidence
COunterclaim
Rebuttal

Conclusion