“We might see within our lifetimes a great reduction or extinction of these animals,�?as their natural habitats are squeezed by the crush of human populations, said Bill Foster, president of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association. “Extinction is not acceptable.�?

Human population is almost entirely to blame for this state of imbalance in the animal kingdom, but our egos prevent us from caging our own population for entertainment or 'prosperity of species'. If extinction is unacceptable why has there been no real push to curb the human expansion (yes, I know thats a controversial statement) and redefine the balance nature strives to contain?

 I dislike zoo's and utterly despise circuses, in fact the only zoo of any interest that I have visited is one north of the city African Lion Safari... its a huge open compound where the animals roam freely on natural turf with rocks, trees and bush.... the visitors are caged (in cars or tour buses) and often swarmed by monkeys (who will dismantle your car for you) and other curious critters that will come up and peer in your window (kinda amusing in fact). You are warned quite explicitedly to keep your windows rolled up tight when passing through the big cats territory because they can and will reach into the car for a home delivered snack. Rhinos will charge your car if your foolish enough to venture off the track. The opportunity to watch elephants roam across the acreage and bath at will vies with the chance to observe the raptor rehab centre where many birds are nursed back to wildlife sustainibility. Unfortunately the place has gotten more and more commerical over the last 2-3 years and this disappoints me.