I have my doubts about that. While the term “prefer” implies that animals are aware of what they are missing, zoo-born animals lack the knowledge of the wild and its complexities. The stark contrast between the limited choices and confinement in zoos versus the vast space and natural environments available in the wild cannot be compared. Imagine if, as an adult, you were forced to return to your childhood bedroom and spend the rest of your life there without any other options. Although you would survive and be safe, would you truly be happier without the freedom to make life choices? I highly doubt it. Furthermore, zoos can be highly stressful environments. Just imagine having a constant stream of strangers peering at you through your windows from sunrise to sunset. Some may even make strange noises or throw things at you to see how you react. It’s not an ideal situation, is it? Wild animals have evolved with instincts for action and survival, and replicating such stimulation in a zoo setting is a challenging task. Even the best zoos can only do their best, but like individuals who lead sedentary lifestyles, zoo animals can become physically and mentally “out of shape.”