I do not think any animal should be "protected" by caging them up, and especially not just so the "public" can see them. 

I believe man's interference does harm to animals the same as it does to the enviornment. I loved that little white polar bear, and I am thankful that I got to see it. Had it stayed in its natural habitat, I would never have seen him.  However... I wish he had been left alone to live and die uncaged. 

Sometimes having a species die out is better than coddling them.  Humans included.  Life does not die.  Certain forms die.  We may also, but when my species dwindles down to me and a couple of others....please leave me alone and let me live free.  Don't fence me in.