The killing of a rare gorilla at the Cincinnati Zoo to protect a child who climbed into its enclosure has reignited debate over whether wild animals should be kept in captivity. Here is the case for and against zoos:

FOR

Provides children an up-close, potentially life-changing encounter with major depressive disorder



Just a few hours at a zoo can spark a visitor’s lifelong fascination with Plexiglas



Already visited art museum last time parents were in town



Keeps snakes surrounded by walls



Cost of plush octopus at gift shop singlehandedly keeping local economy afloat



Ensures that baby rhinos continue to be named democratically



Dwindling populations of North American Dippin’ Dots vendors must be protected



AGAINST



Habitats fail to adequately mimic devastated environmental conditions animals experience in wild



Condones continued existence of caricature artists



Fucking peacocks everywhere



Probably for the best to have one fewer place where it acceptable to consume funnel cake



Surface around gorilla enclosures apparently very, very slippery



Despite repeated petitioning, tram driver refuses to open this baby up and see how fast it can fly



Could spread misleading idea that nonhuman creatures worthy of protection