Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

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“Zoo Animals” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Types of Zoo Animals
1. What are some common animals you might see at a zoo?
2. Can you name three mammals found in zoos?
3. What types of birds have you seen at zoos?
4. Are there any reptiles that you find interesting at zoos?
5. Which zoo animals do you think are the most unusual?

II. Animal Behavior
6. What do lions do most of the day in a zoo?
7. How do monkeys interact with each other in their enclosures?
8. Can you describe how elephants use their trunks?
9. Why do you think some animals pace back and forth in their cages?
10. What kind of tricks can sea lions perform in zoo shows?

III. Feeding Zoo Animals
11. What do you think zookeepers feed the giraffes?
12. How often do you think zoo animals are fed each day?
13. Why is it important not to feed animals at the zoo?
14. What kind of food do you think a zoo provides for its carnivores?
15. Do you think zoo animals like their food? Why or why not?

IV. Zoo Habitats
16. How do zoos try to make animal habitats like their natural environment?
17. Why do you think it’s important for polar bears to have cold habitats in zoos?
18. What do you think are some challenges of creating a good habitat for zoo animals?
19. How do you think zoos take care of animals that need to swim?
20. Can you think of any ways zoos can improve their habitats?

V. Conservation and Education
21. How do zoos help protect endangered species?
22. What can you learn from visiting a zoo?
23. Why is it important for zoos to educate the public about animals?
24. Can you name a conservation project that a zoo might be involved in?
25. How do you think zoos can encourage people to care about wildlife?

VI. Ethical Considerations
26. Do you think it’s right to keep animals in zoos? Why or why not?
27. What are some arguments for and against zoos?
28. How do you feel about animals performing in shows at zoos?
29. What could be done to make sure zoo animals are happy?
30. Do you think animals in zoos live as long as they would in the wild?

VII. Personal Experiences
31. Have you ever visited a zoo? What was your experience like?
32. What’s your favorite animal to see at the zoo and why?
33. Can you share a memorable moment you had at a zoo?
34. Would you like to work at a zoo? Why or why not?
35. How do you feel when you see large animals like elephants in zoos?

VIII. Zoo Activities
36. What are some activities that children can do at a zoo?
37. Have you ever attended a zoo camp or a night-time zoo event?
38. How do you think a zoo prepares for a new animal arrival?
39. What would be an interesting zoo exhibit you would like to see?
40. Do you think zoos should have interactive exhibits?

IX. Animal Health and Care
41. How do zoos take care of sick animals?
42. What do you think happens during a zoo animal check-up?
43. How can zookeepers tell if an animal is not feeling well?
44. Why do you think it’s important for zoo animals to get exercise?
45. What role do veterinarians play in a zoo?

X. Zoo Design and Layout
46. How do you think a zoo decides where to put different animal exhibits?
47. What do you think makes a good zoo map?
48. Why do you think some animals are kept indoors while others are outdoors?
49. How do you think zoos ensure the safety of both animals and visitors?
50. What are some features of a zoo that make it enjoyable for visitors?

XI. Zoo Experiences Around the World
51. How do you think zoos are different in various parts of the world?
52. Can you name any famous zoos outside of your country?
53. What unique animals have you heard about in zoos in other countries?
54. Do you think climate affects the types of animals a zoo can have?
55. Would you like to visit a zoo in another country? Why?

XII. Future of Zoos
56. How do you think zoos will change in the future?
57. Do you think there will be more virtual zoo experiences?
58. How can technology improve the lives of zoo animals?
59. What do you think are the biggest challenges zoos will face in the future?
60. Can you imagine a world without zoos? What would that be like?

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