Because it's not natural. It's sad to lock up animals then go stare at them for our entertainment. For example elephants at the Houston Zoo have reject their young and it was attributed to them being held captive. http://www.click2houston.com/news/4384045/detail.html
MR MEOWGI. altough i agree with you that live in the wild is better for an animal then in a Zoo. I believe Zoo's are vital for the survival of nature. Because it is much easier to get people excited about animals if they have seen them, and not only on tv. Example: a Couple of years ago i went to the Kyrzyg republic(home of the most amazing animal, the Snowleopard). The snowleopard is highly endangered. Most people there do not care about the animal, because they have never seen them, a zoo can show them how the animal looks, and that is is great that they still excist. So I believe a zoo is vital for the survival of nature, it might not be the best option for the animals, but it is IMHO the only way to save nature,People want to see the things they try to save. People need to be educated in nature etc, and zoo's are a good way to do this.
Ever hear or tv, books, the internet, etc? I'm all for protecting animals. But everyone doesn't have to go gawk at them. The only way to save nature is to protect nature. I'm not saying there shouldn't be shelters etc, but the whole premise of a zoo is outdated imo. If you want to see an elephant, go to Africa, or even better just leave them alone. Try respecting, protecting and enjoying the nature that is around you.
In an ideal world you are right. But People just do not care for things they do not see in real life.(look at how much people start caring about poverty in Africa once they have been there). For me Books internet tv etc. was enough to love animals. But for a lot of people it is not enough. Also going to Africa is for a lot of people not an option, because it costs a lot of money. I agree with you that people should respect, protect and enjoy the nature around them, that is one of the reasons I am a Biology student. Like i said in a world were most people actually cared about animals without seeing them a zoo would not be necesary, however IMHO in the world we are living in, it is.
I'm not saying zoos don't do positive works. But the idea of treating animals as entertainment property is the problem, not the answer.
I think we mostly agree, However i think Zoo's have an importent educational purpose. But i understand your opinion.
I volunteer to be kept in a zoo if I am provided with my species entertainment and food and I get to have a some hot females brought around for me to mate with.
Yeah but do you have enough confident in the species who keep you in a zoo that they know what a hot female is?
