People have a fascinationwith wild animals, and zoos may be the only chance for some to observeanimals closely. Whether it’s rarely-seen creatures like kangaroos and koalas, curious animals like sloths and pangolins, or even endangeredspecies like rhinos and orangutans, humans enjoy watching the behavior of creatures on display. The keeping of wild animals in cages is nothing new, though. There is evidence from ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian wall carvings showing that the first efforts to keep animals in enclosedpens began thousands of years ago. Later, various animals were kept in private collections called menageries by well-off people and leaders to show offtheir wealth and power.
It wasn’t until the Age of Enlightenment that this practice evolvedinto what resembles the modern zoo. This was a time when reason, logic, and science became highly valued and respected in Europe. During this time, people started to study animals for scientific reasons. Early zoos kept living animals in small limited areas for observation. Compared with zoos of today, they were seriously lacking in what animals require to feel comfortable. Zoos today aim to create environments similar to natural habitats for animals.
There has been much debate about zoos as part of the discussion on animal rights. On one hand, zoos help protect species and promote breedingwith special programs. They also educate visitors about wild animals and allow people to see the creatures up close. On the other hand, there are valid arguments against the existence of zoos. Many believe that being kept in enclosures causes the beasts to suffer from stress and boredom. In some places, animals are kept in crowded conditions and mistreatedby their handlers. This has led to calls for the banning of zoos and the release of all animals back into the wild.
單字片語整理
Words in Use
●
fascination
[͵fæsnˋeʃən]
n. . 迷戀，著迷
The children watched the magic show in fascination.
孩子們著迷地看著這場魔術表演。
高中 Level 6
●
observe
[əbˋzɝv]
vt. 觀察；遵守
=
obey
Have you observed any changes in Sam’s behavior?
你觀察到山姆的行為有所改變嗎？
A good citizen should always observe the law.
好國民應始終守法。
A good citizen should always abide by the law.
好國民應始終守法。
A good citizen should always comply with the law.
好國民應始終守法。
多益藍色
英檢中級
高中 Level 3
●
endangered
[ɪnˋdendʒɚd]
adj. 瀕臨絕種的
Congress passed a new bill to help endangered animals.
國會通過一項幫助瀕危動物的新法案。
多益藍色
●
species
[ˋspiʃiz]
n. 物種（單複數同形）
We found a strange species of bird on the island.
我們在這座島上發現了一種怪鳥。
Many species of wild animals are endangered. 許多種野生動物都快要瀕臨絕種了。
多益藍色
英檢中級
高中 Level 4
●
enclosed
[ɪnˋklozd]
a. 封閉的
I prefer open areas; enclosed ones make me feel uneasy.
我比較喜歡開闊的地方；封閉的地方讓我感到不安。
●
evolve
[ɪˋvɑlv]
vi. 進化 ; 發展為
The artist ’s idea for the masterpiece evolved from a casual conversation with a neighbor.
這名藝術家對這傑作的構想是從他和鄰居一段隨興的對話演變來的。
Through months of teamwork, our idea finally evolved into a feasible plan.
藉由數個月的團隊合作，我們的想法終於化為可行的計畫。
多益金色
英檢中級
高中 Level 5
●
resemble
[rɪˋzɛmb!]
.vt. 和……相似
Kelly closely resembles her mother.
凱莉長得很像她媽媽。
Kelly bears a close resemblance to her mother.
凱莉長得很像她媽媽。
Kelly looks very much like her mother.
凱莉長得很像她媽媽。
The two cars resemble each other.
這兩輛車彼此很相像。
Your writing resembles your father’s.
你的寫作和你父親的很像。
Annie resembled her father when she was little but looks like her mother now.
安妮小時候和爸爸很像，但現在像媽媽。
