Synopsis

Historically, zoos served neither the needs of visitors nor those of the animals within. The barred cages, rather than illuminating an animal's life or environment, underscored the gulf between humanity and the natural world. Yet, as humankind confronts the near-total loss of much of the planet’s wilderness and its creatures, a new understanding is emerging: the zoo may represent a crucial sanctuary for wildlife. In this exploration, NOVA journeys to several zoos across the United States, examin