I wonder, why do we still have zoos?

Zoos main purpose is to help protect endangered species who's natural habitat is no longer available, help reproduce them and also to give people an opportunity to see animals they are not able to see in the wild, you hating zoos is your own opinion and that is perfectly fine! I think they are good because they help protect, feed, and reproduce animals! Imagine how many animals may be extinct if it wasn't for the care of the zoos :)

The circus is far worse.

Uneducated people are hilarious sometimes.

Well in many cases they are taking endangered species nurturing and breeding them. Zoology has its roots in ecology.

Many zoos provide exemplary care for the animals. They often provide them with the kind of security and routine that is absent in the wild - for some species it's probably a preferable existence to be rid of that constant threat of being eaten or starving.

Furthermore, many zoos help maintain animals endangered by human activity, animals that may well have been extinct had it not been for the conservation efforts by zoos. For some animals, they are the primary hope for the continuation of their species.

Most people go to zoos because they love animals. Most people work at zoos for the same reason; you won't get many people who are better at caring and providing for animals in captivity than zookeepers.

Perhaps certain species' psychological and physiological needs cannot be met in captivity - in which case such animals should not be kept in captivity. But there are many species who need and want little in the wild, whose conditions can be met and exceeded in a zoo.

We get to see some beautiful, exotic creatures, they get to live comfortably and safely with a longer life expectancy than in the wild. Win win.

I understand why you believe that zoos are unethical. There are certainly some concerns about animal rights and such with regards to zoos.

However, zoos are very important if you take the time to look at the other side.

1) Conservation of endangered species
2) Education about animals/Earth
3) Research purposes

For the kiddies.

1. Protection of endangered animals
2. Breeding of endangered animals
3. Raising awareness
4. Education
5. Charity

Well I know they rehabilitate some of these animals and care for them till they can later let them free. I know they were trying to breed cheaters since they were dying out but for some reasons the cheetahs would not breed in captivity. Though people will sometimes bother the animals because they dont know how to act around them.

I have mixed feelings about zoos. I've been to really nice ones, places that focused on educating the public about important environmental issues, the enclosures were spacious and simulated the natural habitat, and the animals seemed honestly happy. My ex however told me about Lincoln Park zoo and how depressing it was... I think there are good and bad zoos, but I do think they're important.

Wildlife reservations can't necessarily guarantee the safety of all the animals living there, depending on how free range it is. National Parks same deal.... you can't hunt but nature still takes it's course. For severely endangered speices, zoos are their best hope of survival.

I do think it's important that we as the dominant species on this planet take care of those our lifestyle has hurt.

Don't lock up something that you wanted to see fly.

What ever makes money!! Just a few animals.. The holocoust was much worse

Aside from the fact that Zoos often protect endangered species' and raise awareness of them at the same time, I do not enjoy them. I feel like a voyeur when I go to zoos. I would HATE to have people paying to come and watch me clean my house or use the bathroom or sleep...

Well, unless I got a substantial cut of that money, anyway.

Consider that animals are a popular imagery and theme choices for children, this is evident in children's books, movies, toys...etc Oftentimes animals are anthropomorphized to fuse with human characteristics and sentiments. Think "kermit the Frog" "Tony the Tiger" "Curious George"...oh yeah, and Chewbacca;p

From the fictional to the reality,zoos are a popular attraction spectacle for children; they are fascinated by animals, especially baby animals. In this sense this is why we have zoos- for entertaining families, and continuing this "animal theme" in childhood

Enough analysis for today haha

Well, zoos are used to educate people, and let people see them up close and in person. But I get your point.
Animals shouldn't just be taken from the wild..