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Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. geriatric
    • ex. My grandfather goes to a geriatric clinic, where doctors help older people stay healthy.
  2. lifelong
    • ex. She has a lifelong love of music, starting from when she was a little girl.
  3. conservation
    • ex. Forest conservation is important to protect wildlife and keep the air clean.
  4. adapt
    • ex. Plants can adapt to different environments, which helps them survive in many places.
  5. needs
    • ex. Parents work hard to provide for the needs of their children, such as food and education.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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At the Barcelona Zoo, a 40-year-old African elephant receives special foot care as part of its daily routine. This gentle foot care is part of the zoo’s geriatric care program for aging animals. The program ensures that animals who cannot return to the wild, like the elephant in Barcelona, receive lifelong care.

Zoos around the world are focusing more on animal conservation and education rather than just showing exotic animals. According to Pilar Padilla, head of animal care at the zoo, sending older animals back into nature could be dangerous for them. Instead, zoos are adapting to meet the needs of aging animals by creating larger, more natural spaces. For example, the Barcelona Zoo has created the Sahel-Savannah area to give animals a place that is like their natural home.

Martín Zordan, CEO of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), highlights the importance of specialized geriatric care. Just like elderly humans, older animals need additional support such as health checks, treatments, softer foods, and mental health monitoring. Besides elephants, the Barcelona Zoo also cares for other senior animals, including a 17-year-old tiger.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Geriatric Animal Care and Zoos

  • Do you think older animals should stay in zoos instead of going back to the wild? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • In your opinion, how can zoos help geriatric animals live longer and healthier lives (ex. give health checks, give treatment)? Discuss.
  • In your opinion, is it important to take care of geriatric zoo animals the same way we care for old people? Why? Discuss.

Animal Conservation

  • The Barcelona Zoo created the Sahel-Savannah area to give animals a place that is like their natural home. What do you think about creating natural spaces like the Sahel-Savannah in zoos (ex. it’s a good idea, it’s a waste of space)? Discuss.
  • What do you think happens to wild animals when their natural homes are destroyed? Discuss.
  • Why do you think animal conservation is important? Discuss.