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Yes Tim, I know what you mean about the zoos, for me it started with the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago in the early 60s.  They had lot’s of money and lots of different creature, the halls were long and cells rather small, although they did have exists into little outdoor enclosures.  I was caught by the different personalities, not just between the different ape groups but within them.  Then there was watching the other people and so often some jerk(s) busying taunting the poor critters.  Going to the zoo was always fun, but also a challenge, something seems not right about it, but fascinating and fun as heck.   Those apes, especially since I often found an ape sitting there willing to simply stare right back into my eyes, usual long as I could stand there, (of course much of that was shear dejection, with nothing to do but watch the time go by.) give an oz of attention, sure they’d respond a little. They were definitely the stars because they seem like us, but definitely aren’t.

It’s nice that things have changed.  At least zoos are giving animals more space these days,  keepers are definitely trying harder with more understanding and compassion, still for me zoos remain a weird mix of wonderful, yet cruel.