Zoo is one of the main attractions in urban areas. Most people love zoos and eagerly attend them. However, since the time they were introduced, zoos have been both supported and criticized. From the one hand, they are entertaining and ecologically friendly. From the other hand, keeping animals in captivity seems to be inhuman. As for me, I like visiting the local zoo, although it’s a small one. You can see various animals and birds there, which is not only entertaining but also educational. There are sparrows, eagles, pigeons, parrots of different colors among the birds. Among the wild animals, you can see tigers, lions, wolves, bears, monkeys - all kept in safe enclosures. There is also an aquarium with a variety of aquatic animals and fishes. Each time I visit this place, it fills me with thrill and excitement. That’s why, zoos are simply necessary for kids, especially the youngest ones. They are still exploring the surrounding environment and animals are part of it. However, I understand that critics of zoos have all the rights to protest against keeping animals in captivity. They advocate animals’ freedom and their right to live in natural habitat instead of small cages. Indeed, it’s unfair to take animals out of their natural environment. More than that, I know that in some countries animals in the zoos are not provided with care and attention and are often undernourished. In developing countries they also don’t get sufficient medical treatment. This fact makes me sad, as I really wish animals could live in good conditions.