What a fascinating perspective. I haven't visited a zoo in decades - no kids or grandkids to give me reason to go again. I cannot abide the thought of animals caged in an environment, far away from their natural habitat.

My last visit was in the early 70's to the Antwerp Zoo where I cried seeing the lonely male gorilla beating his chest as h stood on the concrete slab - I could feel his pain. I watched the onlookers who were captivated by his actions and wondered if they felt the same way I did.

As an introvert, my natural instinct is to observe other people observing the spectacle.

Thank you for your insights too about gentrification.