So I have a thing about zoos...

I've long read that zoos are evil and wicked, for the most part.

While I find I cannot totally disagree I feel the need to point out one thing: Without having gone to the zoo I would never have developed my lifelong fascination with animals, both domesticated and wild. I never would have known that the gorilla would look at me and mock my poses. I never would have seen a seal staring at me while he was diving. I never would have known about otters and how they crack open shellfish. I never would have touched an elephant or a camel. I would never have gone to a petting zoo.

While I loathe zoos for what they are I thank them for what they've helped me become. It's a dichotomy that I know exists, but I can't seem to reconcile it.

I can't fault a place like the San Diego Zoo/Wild Animal Park because they've done so much to protect and breed catastrophically-endangered species. But not every zoo - or even most zoos - rise to that level. I save my vitriol for the shitty ones and praise those that have been a net benefit to our world.