Wild Animals in Captivity

Rob Laidlaw's nonfiction title for middle-grade readers explores how life in zoos shapes the health and behavior of wild animals, following examples such as elephants on the savanna, a solitary polar bear in an Alaskan zoo, and apes in other enclosures. The book contrasts well-run facilities that support animal welfare with cramped, barren exhibits that trigger stress and abnormal behaviors. Through clear, accessible prose, it examines the tension between an animal's natural instincts and the constraints of captivity, offering insights into the ongoing debate over ethical zoo conditions.