"Good zoos, and there aren't many, can serve a useful conservation purpose in breeding endangered species, lalsothinkit's important that the rising urban population maintains some contact with the natural world.
Unless they do, they won't be bothered to look after it."
So says Sir David Attenborough , one of the participants in this debate - which includes the results of the Radio Times survey - on the role and future of our zoos. However, Will Travers , director of the Born Free
Foundation, disagrees. He says the zoo industry's meagre commitment to conservation is not enough to justify its existence. To conclude the series, Michael Buerk chairs the debate between zoo professionals and their critics on the subject. Producer Julian Mercer
Radio Times zoo survey results
SEE FEATURE page 40