[hammock]

Surprised no one has mentioned this yet, but: Zoos may be an important public service for the environmental cause. Zoos create awareness, understanding, goodwill and support for habitat preservation and endangered species. When I moved to Chicago I was surprised to find cows at the Lincoln Park Zoo- but then I realized many city kids would have never seen a cow before. It's the same way with giraffes for anyone who does not live in East Africa. It's not great for an animal to be in captivity, but there is an argument to be made about what zoos do for the greater good.