Most traditional zoos are horrific.

More modern ones are better.

Preserves are the best.

Having worked in the field I can tell you the answer is yes and no. It depends on the facility. There are plenty of roadside zoos that should be shut down. However AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) certified facilities are held to very high standards. They are regularly inspected and have requirements about animal diets, space, training, enrichment, and also requirements to provide education for the public. Many of our animals were rescued and for whatever reason were unfit to return to the wild. I have full faith in AZA accredited facilities. If they are not accredited, I would hesitate to give them my money. If you are curious to know more, please ask.

Zoo's are in general not inhuman.The definition of the word 'inhuman' is cruel or vicious and lack of compassion and mercy. One of the most inhuman creatures was Jesus' father 'Julius Tiberius' - the best killer in the Roman Army. Thus, the word 'inhuman' implies incorrectly that humans are not cruel. A zoo provides enclosures for each kind of animal which can be compared with an imprisonment. An imprisonment gives protection against predators but it restricts the freedom of the inmates. Many domestic animals are prisoners of the humans such as chicken, cattle or pigs in a barn. The stress can be measured with recording micro-gadgets strapped on animals or implanted in animals that are in a zoo, barn and nature. Humans are animals that can provide verbal information as well. Prisoners with a life-long sentence may be given the option to become inmates in a zoo. Scientists can then compare them with inmates in a prison, zoo and free humans at their work.

I don't know, you happy at work?

Even though some animals might like not having to run from predators or being stressed to avoid predators, they are basically living in a prison. So I'm not sure.

Depends on the animalbeign kept.

Some animals probably think it is great that they are nto livinghand to mouth ech day trying to find food and having to keep wtch for predators.

I think predators on the other hand are nto happy in zoos.

Yes

I am not a fan of wild animals being kept captive. I will go to a zoo only if everybody in the group really wants to go. I find that they depress me because I don’t like seeing the animals bored and pacing. I like wildlife refuges.

much like jails

Even though they didn't commit a crime, they've still got to do the time.

They are not ideal for sure and some are fucking aweful but some animals like the arabian oryx would not even exist if it wasnt for zoos. really your house is a private zoo for your dogs and other pets. it doesnt have to look like prison to be imprisoning.

Yes.

But reality and predatotor and poachers are worse.

The Bronx Zoo near my home has greatly improved in regards to providing a more natural environment in very large areas for various species of animals .

I think it depends on the zoo, the people who run the zoo, and the purpose of the zoo. A lot of zoos are trying to preserve endangered species. They take in animals that have been harmed and need special care. And they all the public to interact as well. If the animals are healthy, and happy, which we can measure, to varying degrees, then it’s a good thing.

Interesting question. I did visit a zoo in the North Carolina Mountains one time. After meeting the owner of the zoo he told me all of his animals were illegal pets at one time.there is always going to be situations where wild animals cannot be wild anymore. I think it depends on the situation. I think Banning zoos would be a big mistake. it's not just zoos either. Birds are somewhat popular pets however ,they are wild animals. Birds even if they're bred in captivity are not domesticated animals. The African Grey is an example of a bird that is going extinct in its natural habitat , but gaining in popularity as pets.

There are many zoos with different practices. I'm sure some are horrible. On the other hand, zoos are keeping species alive in captivity that have lost their natural habitat. Except for zoos, these critters would perish. I think the answer is yes and no.

I don't go to zoos anymore personally, but I'm sure arguments could go both ways.

Some are better than others.