Zoos are an integral component in urban greenspace and should not be regarded as hindrances to construction.

That's the opinion of a senior official at the Ministry of Construction, which is in charge of the nation's zoos.

"Zoos have played an essential role in promoting education and science. They have also facilitated scientific research, animal breeding and protection, leisure and entertainment," the official, who insisted on anonymity, told China Features.

"They are an integral part of the urban greening system and infrastructure. The existing zoos in cities are harmonious with urban construction; they should not be at odds with each other."

The official emphasized that zoos usually feature easy access and low or even free admission, which makes it possible to attract visitors from all income groups.

Still, most zoos require government subsidies to operate.

Behind the recent trend to relocate zoos out of the cities are special interest groups attempting to take advantage of existing zoo sites for commercial development, said the official.

On the other hand, some local governments also desire to give up zoos in the hope of attracting big investments. According to the official, certain profit-oriented wild animal parks, which are funded by non-governmental sources, advocate removal and closure of zoos or for merging them in the face of operational difficulties.

In supporting such advocacy, some city governments neglect the social benefits of zoos in a bid to unload the financial burden of operating them. And there are also considerations of traffic, public health and animal welfare.

Due to increasingly fierce market competition and poor investment judgment, some initially profitable animal parks have been losing money, said the official. "And too many wild animal parks mushrooming all too soon may cause waste both of land and wild animal resources," he added.

In general, "it's not proper to move zoos out." Such a move, where necessary, "should be based on sufficient scientific assessment and even debate, while public opinions and views from experts in various fields should also be heeded."

He maintains that animal parks should be a supplement to the zoo industry and "it is the obligation of government to maintain the zoo's role. Only when the government plays a leading and guiding role in the industry, can there be sustainable development in scientific research, animal breeding and protection."

Late in May, 25 of the over 100 city zoos across the country jointly sent a letter to the China Society of Zoos and the Ministry of Construction.

"All zoos in the country are at a crucial moment of life and death. One of the major reasons behind the dilemma is the absence of a clear and legitimate definition of the zoo's nature, function, role, status and significance against the backdrops of market economy," states the letter, which calls for a comprehensive investigation of zoos in China.

The letter also urges authorities to reiterate their legal status and regulate market operations, including the construction of wild animal parks, to avoid unnecessary waste on wild animal resources.