Reflections on Zoos, Security, and Skiing

Zoos: Conservation vs. Animal Welfare

Historically, zoos have evolved significantly. While past practices included exhibiting humans, modern zoos focus solely on wild animals, particularly those endangered. But is this modern approach truly beneficial?

Arguments exist both for and against the concept of zoos:

• Against: Critics argue that keeping animals in captivity, often in limited spaces, is inherently cruel and unnatural.
• For: Proponents highlight that zoos protect many exotic and endangered species from threats like poaching. They also offer the public a chance to see these animals, fostering appreciation and support for conservation efforts. Without zoos, seeing many species alive might be impossible for most people.

In my opinion, contemporary zoos have improved significantly, prioritizing animal care and playing a role in preventing extinction. However, enclosures should ideally be larger to provide animals with more adequate space.

Security Cameras: Balancing Safety and Privacy

Surveillance cameras have become a primary security tool in homes and cities, primarily installed to deter and prevent theft and other crimes.

While intended to protect, their use sparks debate with arguments both for and against:

• For: Individuals and business owners often feel safer knowing that cameras can deter crime or help identify perpetrators if an incident occurs.
• Against: A significant concern is the loss of privacy, as cameras constantly record activities and locations.

In conclusion, I believe surveillance cameras can be beneficial, provided their deployment is not excessive. Their use should ideally be limited to necessary situations like investigating robberies or acts of aggression.

My First Ski Trip: Learning to Ski

Six years ago, during our "White Week," my cousin Raúl, my friend Mario, and I went skiing at Panticosa ski resort for the first time with our school.

In the morning, Raúl and I started on a green slope, but it was so boring that we decided to join Mario on more difficult runs. We took a long time to descend because we kept falling, but we eventually made it down.

In the afternoon, we had a lesson with a ski instructor who taught us a great deal. We realized that if we had taken that class earlier, we wouldn't have fallen so much in the morning!

By the end of the week, we were able to ski off-piste without falling, and it was incredibly exciting. That week, we truly fell in love with skiing.