Large glass in front for viewing public. I scored the sample comments over four times, making sure that what I heard and experienced at the time was what I thought the participants really meant, in actions and in words. What I did find is that there is much to be re-taught to the public about a chimpanzees role in the world. I do not think that the public in general is vindictive or mean spirited in terms of some of the comments I heard. I think it is a human problem.
Some zoos are able to provide a better life for their animals than others, so much the better.
If the animals are provided enrichment activities it brightens their lives as well as help us understand them a little more. Zoo's have limited resources and volunteers, and should not be blamed for some of the misinterpretations of their chimps. However, zoos could do a better job of offering classes or lectures to people of all ages. I do not believe this is endemic of the Oregon Zoo. I do however believe that in any zoo, a good docent program must be in place.