Do Zoos Help Endangered Species?

People have mixed feelings regarding zoos; do they actually help the animals or do they mainly entertain humans without focusing on issues in the natural environment? Zoos donate money to conservation efforts, but how much of this money goes to help the animals? Recent numbers show that zoos “contributed some $160 million to conservation efforts in 130 countries,” but many argue the number could be much higher. Others say zoos may help some animals, but they’re ignoring the real program, which is habitat depletion by humans. Though, any help is good and many zoos continue to improve their efforts, especially as more and more join the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA), which requires these institutions to follow strict guidelines on the care and efforts made to help animals.

Research projects

The biggest advocates of zoos often mention the amount of research that occurs at zoos and that they’re responsible for funding. The money zoos give to research on animals often leads to us learning much more about those creatures, which can also help us learn how to protect them and keep them healthy. Jane Goodall herself, who did extensive research on wild gorillas, views modern, accredited zoos in a positive light. This research also contributes to increasing the public’s knowledge about endangered animals and efforts to help them. Through visiting zoos and learning about the animals in them and the zoo’s research, patrons may feel more inclined to search out other ways to help endangered species. In order for zoos to be successful, this research must continue to be conducted in a responsible way that works toward reaching the goal of sustaining wild habitats.

Captive breeding

A program conducted by zoos that gets the most attention is captive breeding. Commonly, zoos livestream the birth of new animals, especially if they’re an endangered species. Zoo attendance typical hikes up after the arrival of the newborn, because everyone wants to see a cute baby animal. Some zoos even let visitors pay to vote on the new animal’s name and then donate related funds to conservation efforts, but how many zoos actually follow this same principle? How many captive breeding births directly help sustain the species’ numbers in the wild?

Reintroduction programs

Alongside captive breeding sits the re-introduction programs, where animals raised in captivity are introduced back into the wild once they’re old enough to fend for themselves. Once again, people have mixed views about this particular strategy to helping endangered animals. You have a few success stories, such as the California condor, though their introduction back into the wild faced plenty of obstacles. However, there are also many stories of how the animals couldn’t function once they were in the wild; most larger animals remain in captivity their entire lives. If done properly and combined, captive breeding and reintroduction programs can help a species, but it’s unclear how feasible the process is for the majority of endangered species.

While zoos have lots of benefits, there are downsides as well, especially when a zoo doesn’t care for its animals in the way it should. Continue doing research into different zoos and the programs they support and provide; you can decide for yourself whether or not zoos are helping endangered creatures!

Best Books for Women Entrepreneurs

When you decide to pursue your dreams of starting your own business, it can seem daunting. You need to break into an industry and compete with lots of other businesses, while also working on the financial, production, and administrative aspects of your business. Fortunately, with hard work and the right amount of research, you’ll certainly be able to make these dreams a reality. A great resource to use in your journey to be a successful entrepreneur is books by other entrepreneurs who have the experience and record of success that shows they know what they’re talking about and have valuable advice to give you. Here are some of the best books for entrepreneurs, especially female entrepreneurs, that are available today.

Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg

One of the most popular books for working women, Lean In was written by the CEO of Facebook and discusses what you’ll need to be a leader and truly successful. Sandberg writes from a personal perspective, but also includes data and other information that backs up her points and ideas. This book focuses on the various challenges and choices women must make throughout their professional and personal lives. It’s refreshing having someone discuss the topics as candidly as Sandberg does.

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

While not explicitly focused on entrepreneurship, this book helps you learn the best ways to communicate and interact with other people. Carnegie gives powerful insight into being an effective leader. This advice can seriously help out entrepreneurs, because every business needs incredible leaders who work well with other people.

Shark Tales: How I Turned $1000 into a Billion Dollar Business by Barbara Corcoran

Corcoran discusses her own story in this book and how she went from working as a waitress to launching a billion dollar business. She started with a loan of $1000, eventually worked her way up to appearing on Shark Tank, and finally became the huge success she is today. She gives straightforward advice and makes you feel as though you can achieve anything as well.

The Boss of You: Everything a Woman Needs to Start, Run and Maintain Her Own Business by Emira Mears and Lauren Bacon

Many books for entrepreneurs focus on growing a small business into a multi-million dollar company; Mears and Bacon acknowledge that maybe not everyone wants to create a huge corporation. This book focuses on starting small and then slowly growing in a more manageable way. Check out The Boss of You if you want a fresh look at starting your own business.

Girl Code: Unlocking Secrets to Success, Sanity and Happiness for the Female Entrepreneur by Cara Alwill Leyba

Girl Code focuses on how you can become the best female entrepreneur possible, but Leyba also highlights the importance of working with and raising up other women who work in business. She believes that together, we can accomplish many more goals and help one another achieve greater success. The book will definitely motivate you as you read about personal stories of powerful women working toward success.