Ask around! What about zoos?

Bielefeld is known for its Olderdissen “Tierpark” – and while it’s great for kids and families and school classes, some have concerns about the animals’ rights.´

"A day at the zoo" by jhecking is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Interview 1: Zookeeper at Osnabrück (Sebastian)

Yelda: Sebastian, why do you think zoos are important?

Sebastian: Zoos protect animals that are at risk in the wild. Here they are safe and can breed.

Yelda: What do you do to make the animals feel comfortable?

Sebastian: We give them activities and design their enclosures to look like nature.

Yelda: Why is it important for visitors to learn about animals in the zoo?

Sebastian: Visitors learn why it’s necessary to protect animals. This raises awareness for nature.

Yelda: Is there an animal in the zoo that you are especially proud of?

Sebastian: Yes, our leopards. These leopards are very rare and threatened in the wild.

Yelda: What do you say to people who think animals shouldn’t be kept in zoo?

Sebastian: I understand this opinion. But for many animals, the zoo is their best chance to survive.

Interview 2: Against zoo (Nicola)

Yelda: Nicola, why are you against zoo?

Nicola: Animals have the right to be free. Enclosures cannot replace nature.

Yelda: Zoos say they protect endangered species. Do you agree?

Nicola: Rarest. Few endangered animals live in zoos, and most are better protected in the wild.

Yelda: Do you think you can still learn something in zoos?

Nicola: A bit, yes. But videos and tours can teach us just as much about animals without harming animals.

Yelda: What would be a good alternative to zoos? Nicola: Wildlife reserves. Animals can live freely, and we can help them directly in nature.

Yelda: Do you think zoo’s can change in a positive way

Nicola: Yes, they could become rescue centers that treat injured animals and release them back into the wild.

Interview 3: Opinion on zoo’s (Lara)

Yelda: Lara, what is your opinion on zoos?

Lara: Zoos have both good and bad sides. They help save some species, but animals have little freedom.

Yelda: What is the benefit for endangered animals?

Lara: Zoos provide a safe place for endangered species to live and breed.

Yelda: What are the main issues with zoos?

Lara: Many animals have too little space and cannot act naturally. This can be stressful for them.

Yelda: what could zoos improve?

Lara: They could give animals more space and activities. Some species might be better off not kept in zoos at all.

Yelda: For which animals is a zoo helpful?

Lara: For highly endangered species that might not survive in the wild. Zoos often provide a safe environment for these animals.

Interview 4: Against zoos (Kaouthar)

Yelda: Why are you against zoos?

Kaouthar: Because animals are confined and can't live as they would in the wild. It's unfair to them.

Yelda: But don't zoos help save species?

Kaouthar: Not really. Only a few species benefit, and most animals are there just for entertainment.

Yelda: What would be better?

Kaouthar: Wildlife reserves, where animals can live freely.