[Crow]

I have an 'insiders' perspective to zoo's in the US, and IMO they are a double edged sword.

First, I agree animals belong in the wild, where they are in a natural environment. However, we...'humanity'....have worked hard to destroy that habitat, and are harming the animals natural environment on a daily basis. So many species that go extinct today are directly a result of human interference.

Where Zoo's do some good are educating the public on the other species that share our planet. They capture the hearts and minds of many children and adults to try and make a difference. They have helped tremendously in conservation efforts around the world.

Additionally, Zoo's are playing a critical part in preservation of many endangered species. Through well-organized breeding programs species are being saved. Just one example is the Przewolsky horse, that is currently being released back into the wild, thanks to a captive breeding program. Many other species are being saved this way.

Where I applaud zoo's are in their efforts to house animals in a more natural environment, and many zoo's work hard to keep animals stimulated through enrichment. Its a major part of a zoo keepers job.

I have many disagreements with how today's zoos are managed, mainly as a source of entertainment. They tend to overbreed to produce the babies that the public craves for, and I feel lose focus of what their mission should be..education and conservation.

Like I said a double edged sword.