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Read the persuasive text below. Identify the author's claim in the text. Write one sentence that expresses what the
author is saying. Then explain how the author used evidence to support the claim.
Zoos have always been a popular destination. But more people are waking up to the fact that zoos are not good.
They re realizing that zoos are an outdated, cruel form of entertainment where animals are put on display for
humans. Instead of zoos, we should create more wildlife sanctuaries and reserves. It's time to free all caged
animals.
Most wild animals roam areas that cover hundreds of miles. However, animals in many zoos are forced to live in
small, concrete floored cages. Studies have shown that this environment causes unnatural and obsessive
behavior. These behaviors include pacing, swaying, and even harming oneself
Zoos also fail to consider the unique behavior traits of wild animals. For example, some animals are shy and
prefer to be left alone. In zoos, these animals are always surrounded by people. A study at a zoo in Belfast,
Ireland, found that gorillas acted more aggressively when there were more visitors around their cages.
Many zoos say that they protect animals that are in danger of dying out in the wild. But this claim is false. A study
found that only 1,200 out of the world's 10,000 zoos support wildlife conservation. Most zoos focus on animals
that are popular rather than endangered.