The document summarizes an article about the Copenhagen Zoo's decision to euthanize a giraffe named Marius to control their giraffe population. It provides background on why the zoo made this decision and discusses whether zoos should be allowed to euthanize healthy animals. Students are prompted to write a persuasive essay arguing either for or against zoos euthanizing animals in their care, using evidence from the text. Outlines are provided to structure arguments and counterarguments on both sides of the issue.