A Zoo View

Content Standard C: Life Science:
Structure and Function of Living Systems
Reproduction and Heredity
Regulation and Behavior
Populations and Ecosystems
Diversity and Adaptations of Organisms

Content Standard F:
Science in Personal and Social Perspectives:
Populations, Resources, and Environments

1. Animals have habitat needs and pressures.

2. Conservation practices are necessary for endangered species to survive.

3. Environmental enrichment is an attempt to provide humane ways to keep animals in captivity.

Students will:

determine the benefit of keeping animals in zoos or reintroducing them to their natural habitat.

understand the complexity of endangered species and zoo issues.

research and draw conclusions based on their research.

Cross-Curricular Connections:

Language Arts:
• Write an essay, song, or letter to the editor based on their research.

Mathematics:
• Record natural habitat needs of endangered species in square miles or acres and compare with space in the zoo.

Science:
• Research habitat needs of endangered animals.

Social Studies:
• Investigate human impacts to endangered species’ natural habitat.

Analyzing
Communicating
Comparing
Inferring
Problem-solving
Researching

Materials:

Per Group
Decision Chart
Internet
Encyclopedia
Animal reference books

Three 50 minute class periods

1. introduction to lesson and background discussion;
2. research and data recording;
3. drawing conclusions.

Procedure:

Either individually or in cooperative groups, have the students do the following:

1. Choose an endangered animal that is found in North American zoos and aquariums. Examples: Asian tiger, Asian or African elephant, Orca whale, Mountain gorilla, Polar bear, Florida panther, Black rhino, California condor, Kemps Ridley Sea Turtle, American Burying Beetle, or any other animal the student may be interested in researching.
   
   
2. Research the animal’s natural habitat needs (amount of territory in square miles or acres, food source, place in the food web, water source, cover for safety, place in the ecological biodiversity of the environment, the role it plays within the ecosystem).
   
   
3. Investigate the SURVIVAL problems encountered by the animal in its natural habitat. Is there development pressure, such as the building of suburban houses? Is there pressure on the natural resources of the habitat, such as deforestation? Is there enough space for the species to survive based on its needs. Is there poaching (illegal hunting) of this animal in its territory? Are there or have there been diseases affecting the health of the animals in the area? Is the birth rate stable enough to continue the population or is there high infant mortality?
   
   
4. Research the animal’s zoo life. What are the benefits the animals receive in a zoo? Research the amount of care given to the animal at an AZA-accredited zoo. Does the animal get regular veterinary care? Does it have a naturalistic habitat in the zoo? Are there successful mating programs at the zoo for this species? Is the animal provided environmental enrichment activities? Is the animal protected from being sold to buyers? Is the animal taken care of even if it is considered surplus, or is it destroyed?
   
   
5. Research some existing programs for reintroduction of endangered species into their native habitat. Determine what made some reintroductions, like the Arabian oryxes, successful and what made some failures, as in the case of orangutans. Suggested resources include: Ben Beck’s study, “Reintroduction of Captive-Born Animals” in Creative Conservation: Interactive Management of Wild and Captive Animals, The Modern Ark by Vicki Croke and Zoo Book: the Evolution of Wildlife Conservation Centers by Linda Koebner.
   
   
6. Using the Decisions Chart, list the pros and cons for selected species to live in a zoo versus its natural habitat.
   
   
7. Write an essay, a song or a letter to the editor describing which home would be better for selected species, the zoo or the natural habitat, based on the Decisions Chart. Students must substantiate their choice with information based on their research.

Suggested Discussion Questions:

What are some solutions to habitat loss? Are zoos part of the solution?

Are there particular regions of the world with more habitat loss than others? Explain.

Does the decision to keep animals in zoos have any benefits to humans?

Does the decision to conserve natural habitat have any benefits to humans?

Propose ways to help conserve and protect native habitat for endangered species.

Think about your own habitat. Record how much space you use for your home, school, shopping, and for recreation.

Confine yourself to your house and school for a certain period of time (a day, two days, a week.) How does this affect the way you feel, your behavior, and your activities?

Investigate endangered and threatened plants of the world and list the benefits that humans will lose (medicinal, clean air) if these plants become extinct.

Zoologist
Biologist
Environmental scientist
Land manager
Real estate agent
Statistician
Junior zoo keeper

Assessment Procedures:

Use Decision Chart for assessment.

Student essays.

Participation in class discussions.