I definitely have conflicting views about zoos and other wildlife centers, as it is often hard to tell which ones are dedicated to legitimate conservation efforts and which ones are not. However, with that being said, I still visit them on occasion because it is often the only opportunity to allow my young children to see certain indigenous wildlife when we are traveling. Regardless of a zoo's conservation reality, it affords me the perfect space to discuss conservation with my children and help them learn how important it is to protect the world's wildlife.
While in Sydney, Australia we visited Wildlife Sydney Zoo to show the kids all the strange and wonderful wildlife that can only be found in Australia. We had an opportunity to join an early small group tour, while the zoo was still closed, that finished with breakfast outside the koala area. Of course we were not allowed to touch the koalas but we were able to have a very close viewing opportunity and learn all about the research and conservation efforts to protect the koala population under threat.
