Animals are definitely better off in their natural habitats and protecting zones where they can roam free should be priority number one. However, it's also worth considering the tremendous long term benefits that responsible zoos' captive breeding programs can have on conservation efforts for endangered species. As long as living conditions are appropriate and humane, the added revenue garnered from visitation not to mention the public's more informed take-away could help ensure the survival of at least some of our planet's threatened species for posterity to enjoy as well.