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.

1. Giraffe Essay
5th Grade Persuasive Writing
Based on the Article: http://www.newsela.com/articles/giraffe-copenhagen/id/2811/

2. The article, “Copenhagen Zoo Kills Giraffe”, discusses the
Copenhagen Zoo’s decision to end the life of one of its giraffes,
Marius, to control their giraffe population. Do you think zoos
should choose to end the life of an animal in their care? Why
or why not? Use details and evidence from the text to support
your answer.
Discussion:
 Why does the article say the Copenhagen zoo put
down Marius?
 Was this the only way to solve this problem?
 Do you agree with these reasons? Why or why not?
 Why does the article say that U.S. zoos disagree with
what the Copenhagen zoo did?
 Do you agree with these reasons? Why or why not?

3. Should zoos put down animals in their care?
Argument for putting down zoo animals Argument for not putting down zoo animals
AGREE/DISAGREE
Argument: Argument:
Quote: Quote:
AGREE/DISAGREE

4. Focus Statement
Should zoos put down animals in their care?
Start your focus statement by telling your reader what issue you’ll be writing
about without giving your opinion yet:
This year a zoo in Copenhagen decided to end the life of
one of its giraffes in order to protect its population of giraffes.
Zoos in the United States and Europe disagree about whether or
not killing zoo animals for this reason is right.
Then, add your personal opinion that you will be writing to persuade others of:
right. I believe. . .

5. Body Paragraph #1
Should zoos put down animals in their care?
• Summarize why the Copenhagen zoo says they were
right to kill an animal in their care in your own words
and provide a quote from the text.
• Explain why you agree or disagree with this
argument.
The Copenhagen zoo argues that it was
right to kill Marius the giraffe because. . .

6. Body Paragraph #2
Should zoos put down animals in their care?
• Summarize why most U.S. Zoos say it is not right for
zoos to kill animals in their care in your own words
and provide a quote from the text.
• Explain why you agree or disagree with this
argument.
Most U.S. zoos disagree with the
decision to kill Marius the giraffe because. . .

7. Closing Statement
• Re-state your opinion
• Summarize why your opinion is right
• Include a “call to action” which states
what you think your reader should do/think
Should zoos put down animals in their
care? I believe. . .

8. Argument for putting down zoo animals Argument for not putting down zoo animals
AGREE/DISAGREE
Argument: Argument:
Quote: Quote:
AGREE/DISAGREE
The Copenhagen Zoo decided to put down Marius because his
genes were too much like those of other giraffes. They said
since they allow their animals to breed naturally, that this
was the only way.
“Giraffes that have the same genes may all end up dying from
the disease. Giraffes with different genes might be able to
stay alive.”
I disagree with this because. . .
Most U.S. zoos disagree with this, instead they make sure
that every animal in their care have a home for their natural
lives.
“The goal is always careful planning.”
I agree with this because. . .
Teacher Copy