Zoos often claim they exist for conservation and education, but I've walked through too many cramped enclosures where animals pace back and forth — a clear sign of stress. The money spent on breeding programs rarely makes a dent in wild populations, and the real lessons kids learn are that wild animals belong behind bars for our entertainment. Ethical sanctuaries that prioritize welfare over profit are rare, but they show a better way exists. We should phase out traditional zoos and redirect funds to protecting natural habitats.