Zoo original pen and ink and watercolour illustration by Rosie Brooks

A zoo is a facility where animals are kept for public display and educational purposes. Zoos are designed to provide a safe and comfortable environment for the animals, while also allowing visitors to observe and learn about them.

In modern zoos, the focus is on conservation and animal welfare, with efforts made to replicate the animals' natural habitats as much as possible. Zoos often have a variety of exhibits showcasing different types of animals, such as mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.

In addition to viewing the animals, many zoos offer educational programs and activities for visitors, such as guided tours, interactive exhibits, and animal encounters. Some zoos also conduct research and conservation efforts to help protect endangered species and their natural habitats.

While some people argue that keeping animals in zoos is unethical and that they should be free in the wild, others argue that zoos play an important role in education and conservation, and that they help to raise awareness about the importance of protecting animals and their habitats.