Yeah, Zoos are different from circuses for sure. With Zoos, it´s important to evaluate them individually, just like you said. Some zoos are really great and their animals live relatively happy lives while others can be horrible. It´s important to do some research before visiting them and don´t support the bad ones.
RE: My weekend sounds like a regular mom life weekend: Cooking and spending time with family (on a day trip in Hungary though)