Solving the IELTS Reading test passages is difficult for many test-takers. The complexity of the texts, limited timeframe, and complex sentences often make it challenging for candidates. However, a consistent practice and a strong understanding of question types can help you to achieve a good IELTS band score in the reading section.
The “Zoo Conservation Programmes IELTS Reading Answers” passage is a common IELTS exam passage. It includes 13 questions in three categories: sentence completion, matching sentence endings, and True/False/Not Given. We have provided standard sample answers for all 13 questions that effectively help you get a better grip of the IELTS Reading test questions and their answering pattern.
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 1-13, which are based on the reading passage below. Zoo Conservation Programmes reading answers with detailed explanations for each section are available in the article below.
Zoo Conservation Programmes
One of London Zoo’s recent advertisements caused me some irritation, so patently did it distort reality. Headlined “Without zoos, you might as well tell these animals to get stuffed”, it was bordered with illustrations of several endangered species. It went on to extol the myth that without zoos like the London Zoo, these animals “will almost certainly disappear forever”. With the zoo world’s mediocre conservation record, one might be forgiven for being slightly sceptical about such an advertisement.
Zoos were originally created as places of entertainment, and their suggested involvement with conservation didn’t seriously arise until about 30 years ago when the Zoological Society of London held the first formal international meeting on the subject. Eight years later, a series of world conferences took place entitled “The Breeding of Endangered Species”, and from this point onwards, conservation became the zoo community’s buzzword. This commitment has now been clearly defined in The World Zoo Conservation Strategy (WZGS, September 1993), which, although an important and welcome document, does seem to be based on an unrealistic optimism about the nature of the zoo industry.
The WZCS estimates that there are about 10,000 zoos worldwide, of which around 1,000 represent a core of quality collections capable of participating in coordinated conservation programmes. This is probably the document’s first failing, as I believe that 10,000 is a serious underestimate of the total number of places masquerading as zoological establishments. Of course, it is difficult to get accurate data but to put the issue into perspective, I have found that, in a year of working in Eastern Europe, I discovered fresh zoos on almost a weekly basis.
The second flaw in the reasoning of the WZCS document is the naive faith it places in its 1,000 core zoos. One would assume that the calibre of these institutions would have been carefully examined, but it appears that the criterion for inclusion on this select list might merely be that the zoo is a member of a zoo federation or association. This might be a good starting point, working on the premise that members must meet certain standards, but again the facts don’t support the theory. The greatly respected American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums (AAZPA) has had extremely dubious members, and in the UK, the Federation of Zoological Gardens of Great Britain and Ireland has occasionally had members who have been roundly censured in the national press. These include Robin Hill Adventure Park on the Isle of Wight, which many consider the most notorious collection of animals in the country. This establishment, which for years was protected by the Isle’s local council (which viewed it as a tourist amenity), was finally closed down following a damning report by a veterinary inspector appointed under the terms of the Zoo Licensing Act 1981. As it has always been a collection of dubious reputations, one is obliged to reflect upon the standards that the Zoo Federation sets when granting membership. The situation is even worse in developing countries where little money is available for redevelopment, and it is hard to see a way to incorporate collections into the overall scheme of the WZCS.
Even assuming that the WZCS’s 1,000 core zoos are all of a high-standard, complete with scientific staff and research facilities, trained and dedicated keepers, accommodation that permits normal or natural behaviour, and a policy of co-operating fully with one another, what might be the potential for conservation? Colin Tudge, author of Last Animals at the Zoo (Oxford University Press, 1992), argues that “if the world” 's zoos worked together in cooperative breeding programmes, then even without further expansion, they could save around 2,000 species of endangered land vertebrates. This seems an extremely optimistic proposition from a man who must be aware of the failings and weaknesses of the zoo industry, the man who, when a member of the council of London Zoo, had to persuade the zoo to devote more of its activities to conservation. Moreover, where are the facts to support such optimism?
Today, approximately 16 species might be said to have been “saved” by captive breeding programmes, although a number of these can hardly be looked upon as resounding successes. Beyond that, about a further 20 species are being seriously considered for zoo conservation programmes. Given that the international conference at London Zoo was held 30 years ago, this is pretty slow progress and a long way off Tudge’s target of 2,000.
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When did zoos begin to seriously claim involvement in conservation?
The zoos began to seriously claim involvement in conservation about 30 years ago, by the Zoological Society of London.
What is the WZCS, and why is it important?
The WZCS full form is the World Zoo Conservation Strategy (WZCS). It is a global initiative that outlines the role of zoos in species preservation.
How many zoos are estimated to be capable of conservation according to the WZCS?
About 1,000 out of 10,000 zoos globally are estimated to be capable of conservation according to the WZCS.
What issues does the author raise about zoo associations and federations?
The author raises the issue of allowing membership to substandard zoos.
What are the challenges faced by zoos in developing countries?
The challenges faced by zoos in developing countries are sufficient funding for upgrades.
Who is Colin Tudge and what is his stance on zoo-based conservation?
Colin Tudge is an author. He was the former council member of the London Zoo. He believes that the cooperative breeding among zoos is unrealistic.
How many species have actually been saved by captive breeding?
Around 16 species have actually been saved by captive breeding.
What does the author believe about the total number of zoos worldwide?
The author believes that the total number of zoos worldwide is very high. He also said that due to the undocumented or unofficial zoos, the number has risen higher than the 10,000 estimated by WZCS.
Does the author support zoo-based conservation efforts?
No, the author does not support zoo-based conservation efforts. However, he is highly critical of current methods in zoo conservation.
What is the author’s overall tone in the passage?
The author’s overall tone in the passage is skeptical and critical.
upGrad abroad Editorial Team |2735 articles published
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