Depictions of chimpanzees as caricatures can lead people to think these animals are not endangered and is a problem for conservation and welfare efforts.

The modern zoo has its origins in the royal menageries of ages past, where animals were kept for purposes of exhibition and entertainment for the privileged few. What demarcates modern zoos from the animal menageries? Zoos no longer treat animals as display items solely for public enjoyment. Besides the fundamental objective of providing entertainment to the public, modern zoos also play a part as educators and conservationists. Yet zoos face a constant stream of criticism. An important component of the zoo experience still involves animal shows and photography featuring a whole array of species.