Abby Robinson-Source 4

Question: "Does putting an animal in captivity against animal rights?"
Source: Diamond, Randy. "Zoos Discuss Ways to Counter Animal Activists." Tampa Tribune 30 Sept. 2006: n. pag. Ebsco Host. Web. 9 Oct. 2015.

• Summary: In this news article, it is discussed how Tampa zoos will react to criticism from animal rights activists after attending a campaign. The goal of the campaign is to highlight the acts of conservation at the zoos. The campaign allows for zoos to have solid evidence in arguments against animal rights activists on whether animals should be kept in captivity. It was also discussed how to handle the natural deaths of animals living in captivity, so the need for an investigation is not sparked. It is also explained how a zoo's purpose as a conservation center can be misunderstood as a place merely for entertainment, when attractions are added. PETA has responded to the campaign by attempting to push zoos to release animals not meant to live in captivity such as animals. 
• Think: This source changes my thinking, but causing me to realize that zoos are not purely for entertainment purposes. It brings about the new ideas of the practical purposes of a zoo, and what those might be. I agree with the source when it discusses that the best way to handle negative opinions on the idea of a zoo, is to explain its conservation purposes. I disagree with the article when it talks about how PETA believes that referring too a zoo as a conservation center is just lying to the public. This source does give me an answer to my research question, it discusses both sides of the argument from both the perspective of the zoos and the animal rights activists. 
• Synthesize: This source could respond to the article "Activists, circus square off over use of elephants". It could be discussed whether animals should be kept in captivity and whether they are treated properly. It can also take into account the similar perspectives of activists in both articles. I tend to agree with the circus/zoo in this argument in that there is purpose to having these animals in these particular settings. 
• Question and Plan: This source has lead me to ask several new questions. What are the specific conservation purposes of the zoo? what kind of treatment/care are these animals receiving? what animals do activists feel do not belong in a zoo setting? what other purposes did the campaign serve? The answers I have so far, are the similarities between humans and animals, that zoos serve conservation purposes, elephants are protected in circus settings and saved from extinction, and what factors make a human more likely to fight for animal rights. This all ties together to discuss what drives one to fight for animal rights, and whether animals are being maltreated in settings that are frowned upon for having animals.