34. Should Zoos Exist?: A Discussion of the Benefits and Controversies Surrounding Zoos (English Vocabulary Lesson)

On today’s episode we are going to discuss the controversy and debate surrounding zoos! Are zoos vital organisations because they promote scientific research and public education, and save animals on the verge of extinction? Or are zoos terrible prisons with no educational value that damage animals physically and psychologically? TRANSCRIPT -- https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2020/12/16/34-should-zoos-exist-a-discussion-of-the-benefits-and-controversies-surrounding-zoos-english-vocabulary-lesson/ CONTACT US!! INSTAGRAM - thinkinginenglishpodcast (https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/) Twitter - @thinkenglishpod Blog - thinkinginenglish.blog Gmail - [email protected] VOCABULARY LIST Controversial (adj) - causing disagreement or discussion The book was very controversial To struggle (v) - to experience difficulty and make a very great effort in order to do something I’ve been struggling to understand this article all afternoon Logistically (adv) - in a way that involves the careful organization of a complicated activity In theory, this is a great idea, but logistically, it's a nightmare Aristocrat (n) - a person of high social rank who belongs to the aristocracy Many aristocrats were killed in the French Revolution Conservation (n) - the protection of plants, animals, and natural areas from the damaging effects of human activity Wildlife conservation is an important idea in a number of African countries Biodiversity (n) - the number and types of plants and animals that exist in a particular area in the world, and the problems of protecting this Much of this area’s biodiversity is threatened by climate change Captive (adj) - (of a person or animal) having limited ability to move or act freely because of being kept in a space If it is successful, releasing captive animals into the wild could restore the population to over 500 this year! Habitat (n) - the natural environment in which an animal or plant usually lives With so many areas of forest being cut down, a lot of wildlife is losing its natural habitat Detrimental (adj)- causing harm or damage These chemicals have a detrimental impact on the environment Comprehension Questions Q. Why was Calgary zoo struggling to feed its pandas? A. They could not buy/import enough bamboo!’ Q. Where is the world's oldest operational zoo? A. Tiergarten Schönbrunn in Austria Q. What is the leading cause of death of gorillas in captivity? A. Heart disease --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thinking-english/support