Should Christians support zoos and aquariums?

The Bible commands Christians to be faithful stewards of God’s creation (Genesis 2:15). Supporting zoos and aquariums presents an ethical dilemma, as it balances the benefit of education and conservation against the ethical concern of animal confinement. Christians should ethically support institutions that prioritize animal welfare, species preservation, research, and rehabilitation and strongly oppose any facility that treats animals merely as objects for human entertainment, resulting in distress or cruel confinement. Support should be conditional, driven by the goal of good stewardship and promoting human understanding of God’s marvelous creation.