Zoos have come a long way since the days of listless lions languishing behind bars.
Most modern zoos now attempt to recreate their animals’ natural habitat as much as possible with the emphasis on conservation, breeding and research.
Zoos are a top choice for many family outings and some even have petting farms where children can stroke and feed the animals, or walk through areas where more docile wild animals are kept.
The larger zoos often have open-range enclosures that give animals more space to roam and there are even animal and marine theme parks combining zoos with funfairs and animal shows. Some have small trains to transport visitors around, and most have refreshment areas and picnic spots. So, why not go to the zoo tomorrow - you can stay all day!
