Zoos—and also circuses which use performing animals— teach people that it is acceptable to interfere with animals and keep them locked up in captivity, where they are bored, cramped, lonely, deprived of all control over their lives, and far from their natural homes. Even under the best of circumstances at the best of zoos, captivity cannot begin to replicate wild animals' habitats. Animals are often prevented from doing most of the things that are natural and important to them, like running, roaming, flying, climbing, foraging, choosing a partner, and being with others of their own kind.
Zoos claim to want to protect species from extinction, but zoo officials usually favor exotic or popular animals—who draw crowds and publicity—rather than threatened or endangered local wildlife. Most animals housed in zoos are not endangered, and those who are will likely never be released into natural habitats.
Find out more about captive animals used in entertainment here:
http://www.captiveanimals.org/
