Zoos are sad, but this one was the worst!

I went to the zoo on Thursday with my little kids, for a field trip. I already think zoos are really depressing, but I have to say that this was the saddest zoo I have ever seen. I mean, don't get me wrong, it's neat to see exotic animals up close, but I would rather watch the nature channel than see these poor things chained up or caged in the way they were. Anyways, you are probably wondering why I am bothering to show you these sad pics... but maybe if we all become aware of the sadness, then we will stop going to the zoo and stop supporting these terrible living conditions for the helpless animals.

This poor ape just sat in his empty cage reaching out for me to hold his hand, staring into my soul.
This orangutan at least got to be out of his cage. His job is to sit and pose for pictures with patrons of the zoo. He's really cute, and although he does at least get some stimulation, I still feel bad for him.
These monkeys were doing tricks for us... jumping, rolling, bowing... etc. that's no life for a monkey!
Deer caged in.
A lion caged up in a small area. He sat there and growled at us.
A bull in a small pen.
Sad lama... all penned up too.
A monkey staring into my eyes... I swear he was pleading for help. Look at his cage!! There is nothing stimulating in there and it's so small!! Poor animals.

Anyways, that was my trip to the zoo. I tried to have fun, cause I was with all the kids and I didn't want to be a downer. It was exciting to see them get so excited about the animals. Like I said, it's neat to see animals that I rarely get to see. But at the expense of their quality of life, I don't think it's worth it. I kept pointing out to my kids how sad it all was.

I would say to them, "Look at the lion (or deer, or monkey... or bull, etc), he's so sad."
"Why teacher? Why sad?"
"Because, he's so big and he should be running around and playing, but he's is stuck here. Wouldn't you be sad if you were in there?"
"Yes, teacher".