Part 6

You are going to read four extracts from articles in which scientists give their views on zoos. For questions 37-40, choose from the scientists A-D. The scientists may be chosen more than once. 

Mark your answers on the separate answer sheet.

The Role of Zoos

A I'm very well aware of the downsides of maintaining wild animals in captivity, but the fact that they're far from ideal for the particular specimens which are unfortunate enough to be held captive doesn't mean that zoos can't help wildlife in general. Those who would like them all to close should remember that many people can't afford to go and see animals in their natural habitat. I condemn completely the practice of having animals such as dolphins and monkeys put on shows for visitors, but having one of the zoo keepers give a short talk on an animal while children look at it is an excellent way of teaching them about wildlife. Furthermore, zoos, particularly the bigger, more famous ones, have become leaders in projects such as the reintroduction of captive-born animals to the wild, which are boosting efforts to save those threatened with extinction. 

B Having worked in many different zoos over the years, I have developed something of an ambivalent attitude towards them. Zoos have always been in the entertainment business, and as long as the animals are not suffering, and the tricks they are asked to carry out are activities they would do naturally, that's fine. This doesn't mean, however, that I like seeing animals in cages. Animals in zoos are plagued with mental and behavioural problems which lead to a drastically shortened life expectancy. Far more could be done to improve their quality of life, but unfortunately, many boards and directors see their zoos as a community resource similar to the local pool or library, and fail to consider the needs of the animals when it comes to allocating budgets.

C The work that zoos do on a global level to co-ordinate population management of endangered species has made a real difference. One notable success in this area is the case of the Californian condor, for instance. Having said that, I still question whether we should be keeping animals in zoos at all. In recent decades, huge sums have been spent on improving the habitats of animals at many zoos, but ultimately we have to accept that an enclosure, however stimulating, isn't the right place for a wild creature. If we have to keep animals in captivity, then surely safari parks, in which the humans are enclosed in vehicles, while the animals roam free, are a better alternative. Additionally, by setting wildlife in a more natural environment, they provide real opportunities for visitors to develop their understanding of the animals, which is a claim I have never believed when it's made by zoos. 

D I imagine that many of the strongest critics of zoos rarely set foot in one, but I would urge them to take another look. Entry charges are high, but when you look at the first-class facilities for both visitors and animals, you can see that the money is being used wisely. Zoo animals across the globe now live in conditions which closely resemble their natural habitat and allow them to behave in as natural a way as possible. It's unfortunate that, despite making these changes, some zoos have chosen to continue the practice of having animals perform for the crowds. These distasteful displays have no place in modern society. The emphasis now needs to be firmly on the well-being of animals - not just those in zoos, but also those whose continued existence in the wild is in question. This is an area where zoos could do much more to make use of their considerable expertise.

Which scientist

37 _________ has a different opinion from A on whether traditional zoos serve an educational purpose?

38 _________ has the same opinion as A on using zoo animals as a form of entertainment?

39 _________ shares an opinion with A on the contribution that zoos make to conservation?

40 _________ has a different opinion from D on the financial choices which zoo managers make?