I think zoos are vital in the survival of some species on the brink of extinction. Without a stable and safe environment provided in a zoo, a lot of animals we are still clinging on to would have been wiped out. They raise awareness of the dangers facing our wild animals and I for one can say they inspired me to become interested in animals and animal welfare.

But there's a difference between real zoos and borderline circuses. Thankfully I can say that no such zoo that I am thinking of exists in my country, and I expect the same is generally true of most others. But many countries still keep exotic animals in iron prisons with little or no room to move. And that's just sick!