Growing up in Detroit I often went to the Detroit Zoo. Didn't care much for seeing the animals in cages. It was kinda of a lame set-up. They did have a cool little train though that would zip you around the park.
I totally get what you're saying about seeing the animals in cages. I feel the same about the aquatic animals, because no tank could ever compare to the freedom of the ocean.
I've often thought of that myself -- if I could choose freedom to live wherever I wanted, to come and go as I pleased -- or lifelong comfort, the best food and medical care available, but a relatively itty bitty living space compared to the whole world, what would I choose?
I'm not sure.
And it makes me feel sad for the animals.
On one hand, I'm grateful to be able to see them up close for myself instead of just on a screen. I also want to see endangered species preserved.
But on the other hand...
I can't help but wonder if these poor creatures we are paying money to gawk at are crying out to God for their freedom at the same time.