Class 10 NCERT Solutions English Chapter 2 - A Tiger In Zoo [Poem]

The poet begins by saying that the tiger has only a few steps to walk around in his cage. He contrasts this with the vast areas of land the tiger should be lurking in around the jungle. The poet further says that the tiger should be sliding through the long grass in the wild. The poet expects this ferocious animal to be hiding near the water hole, waiting for a plump prey to pass.

Instead, the tiger is locked in a concrete cell where he seems to control his ferocity behind the bars of his cage. The poet feels that the tiger should be out in open snarling at people around houses and terrorizing the village by baring his white fangs and sharp claws.

The poet uses repetition to bring out the beauty and contrast in the poem.

(i)On pads of velvet quiet- This refers to the tiger's padded paws living in forced luxury (velvet is associated with luxury) which are quiet as they are confined to the limited steps he can take in the cage. Because of this, he is unable to run and slide through the grass or hunt.

In his quiet rage- Here the 'anger' and 'ferocity' of the tiger is controlled as he is unable to run in the wild and hunt his prey or terrorize the villagers.

His anger is thus suppressed. The quietness is somewhat symbolic of suppressed natural instincts.

(ii) And stares with his brilliant eyes-Even at night, the tiger is not at rest. He is aware of the sights and sounds around him. Being a big cat, he has luminous eyes that reflect light. The poet therefore calls his eyes 'brilliant'.   The word 'brilliant could also be the poet's commentary on the regality of the magnificent tiger.

At the brilliant stars-He seems to be staring at the brilliant stars in the night sky wondering if he will ever be free to go back to the open jungle.

The brilliance is seen not only in his eyes that yearn for freedom, but also in the stars that remind him of his own independence.  

Yes, zoos are essential especially for the protection and conservation of certain species of animals. Many animals are hunted and poached for their body parts and as a result they have become endangered. In the wild, some endangered species can be poisoned by wild foods or even drown in flooded rivers.  We need to protect them or else they will soon be extinct. Besides this, increasing population and rapid industrialization destroy large parts of their natural habitat, endangering their lives. Zoos are important centres of education for both children and adults alike. They are artificial habitats that can also develop into good scientific research centres.

However, zoos are not the perfect substitute for forests since animals are caged in confined spaces where they are unable to move around freely.

Humane alternatives to zoos are national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and bio-reserves where animals are protected and conserved in their natural habitat. They are able to roam around freely in the wild and are yet protected from hunters and poachers. Strict rules and guidelines are observed for visitors and they are not allowed to feed, tease or upset the animals.

Students are recommended to answer this question based on their interpretation of the question using the following points. 

Advantages of keeping animals in zoos:

• Zookeepers ensure that the basic needs of animals are taken care of and that they receive medical aid on time.

• Endangered species is protected and can continue to breed safely even in captivity.

• Zoos house several exotic and endangered animals (choose your examples)

• Animals are protected from forest fires and floods.

• Zoos educate visitors about wild life and also aid research centres.

• Instead of conventional cages, some zoos have barriers and enclosures that resemble their natural habitat.

• Strict rules are laid down for visitors and offenders are penalised.

Disadvantages of keeping animals in zoos:

• Some zoos still keep animals in concrete cages with metal bars and confined enclosures.

• They are confined to the same man-made enclosures for a life time.

• The cages are not maintained by zookeepers.

• They are forced to live under unfavourable climatic conditions.

• Animals kept away from their natural habitat may become depressed and angry when they are teased and harassed by visitors.

• Many animals die early in captivity due to lack of activity and depression.

• Once kept in a zoo, animals might not be able to live in the wild again.