As a career zoologist working with both wild animals and animals kept in zoos and aquaria, here's my take. chase

On Animals in Captivity:
Human actions and activities can impact all other living organisms on our planet. As stewards by default, we must often make decisions that affect other life forms. A choice that favors one species frequently is made at the expense of others. In order to make the best decisions possible it is necessary to acquire all the knowledge that can be amassed about the species involved. It is naïve and unrealistic to think we can learn about and understand the animals and plants on Earth without bringing them into captive and laboratory environments. Not only does captivity allow us to study certain aspects of these organisms that are impossible to investigate in nature, it also gives humans a proximity to them that creates empathy, concern and an appreciation that would otherwise be unobtainable. Decisions made in the context of ignorance or apathy may have serious negative and irreversible consequences on our planet. Only when we have a complete comprehension of other species can we make judicious management decisions benefiting the environment, its inhabitants and the future of planet Earth.

The Fort Worth Zoo, Dallas Zoo, Cameron Park Zoo (Waco), Fossil Rim Wildlife Reserve, Houston Zoo, San Antonio Zoo, Abilene Zoo, Victoria Zoo, Gladys Park Zoo, Tyler Zoo and the Austin Rescue Zoo are real jewels in Texas. They all strive to provide good habitats, living environments, quality food and superior medical care to their animals. People that disclaim or dislike zoos are working with little to no knowledge of what zoos really provide in the day and time. If it wasn't for the efforts of the zoos many of the species would never again be seen on earth. The white tigers are extinct in the wild and only 400 are maintained in the zoo shelters. The snow leopard will soon be extinct if hunting persists as with many other species. The zoos I mentioned and many others place the welfare of the animals above the entertainment of the general public. The Bronx Zoo in New York does extensive research as does the San Diego Zoo. If you know of something a zoo does that might harm or put a zoo animal in danger all you need to do is file a complaint with the FDA. The biggest difference in making images in zoos versus Africa is the cost of transportation and the expense of a guide. They put you in a 4 by 4 and drive you close to the lions, gorillas, elephants or other exotics. By the way, it's a show and tourist adventure. How do you think they keep the animals close to the vehicle routes? They plant food of course and sometime the food is live and staked out. If you are anti-zoo, I suggest that you get involved and discover the facts. The zoos are great photo adventures and not near as easy as you might think. I do photography in zoos across the United States, some more often than others, and I find it challenging and rewarding. $10 is a small fee to pay for a photo shoot at the Fort Worth Zoo. Have a wonderful time. It's one of my personal favorites. The Rooster image is a personal favorite of a bird who chooses to live at the Austin Rescue Zoo and kind of rules-the roost so to speak.

As a career zoologist working with both wild animals and animals kept in zoos and aquaria, here's my take. chase

On Animals in Captivity:
Human actions and activities can impact all other living organisms on our planet. As stewards by default, we must often make decisions that affect other life forms. A choice that favors one species frequently is made at the expense of others. In order to make the best decisions possible it is necessary to acquire all the knowledge that can be amassed about the species involved. It is naïve and unrealistic to think we can learn about and understand the animals and plants on Earth without bringing them into captive and laboratory environments. Not only does captivity allow us to study certain aspects of these organisms that are impossible to investigate in nature, it also gives humans a proximity to them that creates empathy, concern and an appreciation that would otherwise be unobtainable. Decisions made in the context of ignorance or apathy may have serious negative and irreversible consequences on our planet. Only when we have a complete comprehension of other species can we make judicious management decisions benefiting the environment, its inhabitants and the future of planet Earth.