Captive Animal Protection Society

The Captive Animal Protection Society was established in 1957 in Great Britain to protest the use of animals in circuses, zoos, and the entertainment industry. In the following viewpoint, the organization argues that captive breeding and reintroduction programs are ineffective at protecting endangered species. The organization contends that reintroduced animals experience high mortality rates and often introduce diseases into native populations which cause more deaths of endangered species. Conservation programs are more effective than breeding programs at preserving endangered species, the organization maintains, because they protect not just the threatened species but also the ecosystems which they depend upon for survival.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to the Captive Animal Protection Society, what is the highest mortality rate recorded for reintroduced ferrets during the first year of their release?
2. What caused...