Jun 8 2012: I believe it is the zoo's responsibility to focus on both conservation outside zoo boundaries and educating the public. One way they ensure conservation among endangered species is by allowing them to breed in captivity. Once these species reach sufficient levels, they can be reintroduced into their natural habitats. Also, zoos allow scientists to perform more research, specifically the optimal conditions and environment for a particular species. This information can then be disseminated to educate the public.
Jun 8 2012: In order to move forward with the conservation effort, I think humans need to be rewarded with something, probably money, for making more conservative choices when it comes to the environment. For example, households can receive a tax credit for installing solar panels on their houses/businesses. This idea of rewarding people with tax credits for making more environmentally friendly choices is a good start to persuading people's decisions. If this idea could be broadened to include more economic, 'everyday life' situations, then more people could receive tax credits, which, in turn, would lead to more environmentally friendly behavior.
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http://www.pnas.org/content/100/8/4963.full