MANY times I have received letters, some of them quite angry, insisting that all zoos should be closed.

Last week I explained how establishments, including Colwyn Bay Mountain Zoo, are doing invaluable conservation work with red squirrels.

I am well aware of poor zoos but most of these have now been closed.

Critics do not explain what is to happen to species such as giraffes, monkeys, zebras and others which have been bred in zoos.

There is no way that these could live in the wild. What has to be done is to keep them in comfortable conditions and use them to explain their history and natural history to visitors.

Apart from Colwyn Bay, I know Chester Zoo and Blackpool Zoo very well and know that excellent work is being done there. All good zoos have conservation at heart these days and have the following essential features:

A good education section where schools can study animals as part of their curriculum;

Links with specialist vets;

A sound knowledge of the diet of each species;

Computer links with other zoos so that breeding programmes can be worked out;

A public relations officer.

People who feel strongly about animals in captivity are entitled to their opinion. I have my views, however, and I feel zoos are more essential these days than they have ever been.

Everybody knows that wild areas are now decreasing and the more we know about animals, especially those in danger of extinction, the more we can do to help.

Drop me a line and have your say about the advantages and disadvantages of zoos.

This includes the increasing trend to keep birds in captivity, especially raptors, owls and wildfowl.

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