Karen
GOOD zoos may be necessary, at least for now. The old-fashioned kind make me sad, but a good zoo, with well thought out habitats, is at least safe temporary sanctuary for some species.
mugsy
I agree that it's sad to see them in cages, but, like it was said before, it is becoming more and more that they are caged in a more environmentally friendly area. Also, because of humans and the destruction of endangered animals' habitat, zoos are able to keep species alive that would otherwise become extinct. It's a feeble attempt, I know, to right the wrongs that humans have committed.
I agree and cannot put it any better.

Just one thing to add though, vigilence is still needed, even as far as the good zoos are concerned. This is a campaign the RSPCA is running on behalf of the Elephants in European zoos.
Zoo elephants