does a zoo have no useful purposes?

I feel that the zoo does have a useful purpose.Its good for children going on field trips for one thing..I know that pictures are one good source of teaching children about all the animals but when they see the animals first hand it makes a lot more sense to them...I even enjoy the zoo myself and children love the zoo,i know i did when i was a child.It also makes for a good outing and for family day to share with the children...

Hi merrycherry, It is necessary to have zoo as you cannot put the animals back into the wilds as the might die but some do go back. Tamara

I agree that zoos have a purpose both for education and science. Many zoos also have breeding programs for endangered species and rehabilitation and relocation programs for some animals. Zoos also serve recreational purposes for people. There are many things that cost a lot to maintain but are kept open strictly for recreational purposes.