It was equally harrowing and grievous to read Michael Sneed’s column on the egregious mistreatment that Ziggy the elephant endured at Brookfield Zoo some five decades ago.

Fortunately, Brookfield Zoo and Lincoln Park Zoo are now, in 2019, much more humane, compassionate and enlightened than in 1969. They focus on protecting endangered species and promoting conservation of other threatened wildlife throughout the world.

Efforts are made to replicate species’ indigenous habitats and enable them to thrive comfortably, and in some instances, to breed. Zoos are not perfect, but they continue to evolve in a positive direction.

Sadly, zoos are some of the last safe refuges for many magnificent creatures that are no longer safe from deadly poachers, hunters and marauders in their native homelands.

Brien Comerford, Glenview

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Ali Gator for City Council

Have you heard the latest: There’s an alligator in the Humboldt Park lagoon. Can you just imagine?

But isn’t it really the perfect mascot for the City of Chicago, at least the City Council?

Think about it. The adjectives used most often to describe these reptilians have all been said about so many past and current aldermen and women.

Tell me you haven’t heard the following muttered in disgust over the behind-the-scenes shenanigans of these politicians: slippery, evasive, cunning, devious, shifty, temperamental and even slimy.

I’m thinking if they ever do catch the critter, they should run it for the next available slot in government. Or at the very least, put it on the official seal.

Bob Ory, Elgin

Proud of this year’s Taste

I have attended the Taste of Chicago since its inception. Invariably, year after year, there is garbage to walk through. Folks wouldn’t take a couple of steps to the garbage can.

Not this year. I’m so proud of Chicagoans and our guests. The park was clean, folks were considerate of one another. Yes, we can.

George Martin, Forest Park

Pence is not fooling anyone

The image of an arrogant Vice President Mike Pence staring cross-armed at a pen of immigrants was chilling. Pence is quick to wear his “Christianity” on his sleeve, but God forbid that sleeve touch anything so uncomfortably inhumane.

Cynthi Mungerson, East Lakeview