Argumentation: Are Zoos Ethical?

Zoo Ethics by Jenny Gray challenges the claims made in Blackfish about the morality of zoos/aquariums. Blackfish, specifically Gabriela Cowperthwaite, argues that the captivity of animals in aquariums is dangerous and will lead to psychological damage, hurting both the whale and the people who work with the animal. Cowperthwaite uses both experience, fact, and an extreme appeal to emotion to most successfully convey this argument. Jenny Gray contrasts this claim by stating that modern-day zoos provide conservation, almost like a safe haven, for animals. A problem that arises from zoos is the outside critics’ ignorance and immediate thoughts of, “They are trapping these animals.” Gray states that the key to comforting the public is full transparency and access to information.

Gray first used anecdotes of experiences she had with animals. After she explains her personal experience, she discusses her takeaway. She connects with the audience through the relatable story of her urging thoughts to kill a roach on the floor. She then combats this with basic moral principles that humans often forget. Society claims that animals matter, but we are so willing to crush the life out of an insect. After this anecdote, Gray states that she is the Chief Executive Officer of three zoos. This is a striking appeal to credibility; the reader now knows that she is quite knowledgeable on the subject of zoos. She makes sub claims such as the public gains

knowledge from zoos, or zoological signs have been replaced with conservation signs. Blackfish and Zoo Ethics relay opposite messages, but they use the same strategies to build their argument. Emotion and credibility are essential when discussing a matter with the weight the subject of animals has.