Zoos in the U.S. get about 183 million visitors each year. More than half are 11 years old or younger. For most people, going to a zoo is their only chance to see wild animals up close.

“Most people don’t have the opportunity to see elephants or orangutans or wolves in the wild,” says Craig Hoover. He works for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The group makes sure that zoos meet high standards of animal care. 

The best zoos educate visitors about the dangers animals face in the wild. These include habitat loss and illegal hunting. Some animals might no longer exist if it weren’t for zoos. Programs at zoos have helped save the black-footed ferret, the California condor, and other species. 

Also, zoos use some of the money they get from visitors to protect animals in the wild. Zoos spent more than $252 million on conservation in 2022, according to the AZA.

U.S. zoos get about 183 million visitors each year. More than half are children. A zoo is the only place where most people will see wild animals up close.

“Most people don’t have the opportunity to see elephants or orangutans or wolves in the wild,” says Craig Hoover. He works for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The group makes sure that zoos meet high standards of animal care. 

The best zoos educate people. Visitors learn about the dangers animals face in the wild. These include habitat loss and illegal hunting. Some animals might no longer exist if it weren’t for zoos. Zoos have helped save species like the black-footed ferret and the California condor. 

Also, zoos use some of the money they make to protect animals in the wild. The AZA says zoos spent more than $252 million on conservation in 2022.

Some people argue that even the best zoos are meant to entertain people, not help animals.

“Only a tiny fraction of their work focuses on conservation,” says Liz Cabrera Holtz. She works for an organization called World Animal Protection. “Above all, they’re simply places for people to view animals.”

Even big zoo enclosures don’t have the same amount of space as an animal’s natural habitat. For example, wild polar bears might walk or swim hundreds of miles in a year. But in zoos, they often live in an area about the size of a school gym.

Plus, many animals need company or they will be lonely. Take elephants. In the wild, they live in big family groups. But in some zoos, they’re kept in pairs or alone.  

Life in captivity can be difficult for animals. Many zoo animals show signs of being bored and stressed.

Some people argue that zoos are meant to entertain people, not help animals.

“Only a tiny fraction of their work focuses on conservation,” says Liz Cabrera Holtz. She works for a group called World Animal Protection. “Above all, they’re simply places for people to view animals.”

Enclosures don’t have as much space as an animal’s natural habitat. For example, wild polar bears might walk or swim hundreds of miles in a year. In zoos, they often live in a smaller area. It might be about the size of a school gym.

Plus, many animals need company. Otherwise, they will be lonely. Take elephants. In the wild, they live in big family groups. But in some zoos, they’re kept in pairs or alone. 

Life in captivity can be hard for animals. Many zoo animals show signs of being bored and stressed.