If the condition of the animals' enclosures is depressing for a spectator, how is the quality of life for the animals that have to live there?
I've never been a big fan of zoos, and my trip to the Henry Vilas Zoo served as another reminder. The tiger was pacing, pacing, pacing in its small enclosure, and a bird inside the dimly lit Discovery Center building was housed in an enclosure that was terribly small -- I think a pair of my boots would be best to be inside that enclosure but not a living creature.
Many of the animals -- the tiger, rhino, tortoise -- all had small enclosures filled with concrete and dirt. I did not see grass and/or water out for them.
I do think the goats at Henry Vilas Zoo are living well. They had a large enclosure, and they snack all day, thanks to visitors. I don't think goats could ask for a better life.
I've visited other zoos in the country where the animals did not show signs of stress and had large enclosures, grassy areas and water available. Perhaps Henry Vilas Zoo should charge a small admission fee to collect money to make improvements in the animals' best interests.