MOST AMERICANS AGREE that humans must protect animal species from becoming endangered or extinct. However, there is disagreement over how this should be accomplished. Many believe that the best ways to preserve animal species are to breed and house animals in protected environments like zoos and to hunt wild animals to control rampant populations. Animal rights advocates argue that in order to preserve animal species, humans must not interfere with animals' lives or their natural habitats. Because of this disagreement, zoos and hunting as a way to protect animals are the source of much debate.

Until recently the only purpose of a zoo was to exhibit captive animals, not protect them. The concept of exhibiting animals dates back to at least 1500 B.C. During this time Queen Hatshepsut of Egypt demonstrated her power and wealth by collecting animals from the wild and...