[Alusdra]

I don't know if this is true of the species in question at this particular zoo- but many zoos breed waterfowl for conservation and re-release through the Species Survival Plan and other similar programs. I understand why people are against the pinioning of the birds (keeping them from flying) and am not sure where I stand on the matter myself. For a bird that primarily flies, such as a finch, dove or parrot it seems much more cruel than waterfowl which spend much of their time swimming. And pinioning is the only way to keep the waterfowl from migrating and being subject to all the dangers inherent there. Supposing, of course, that they are in their native land.

Perhaps the future zoo will only have ponds where wild birds come and visit, but for right now the work that zoos are doing is helping preserve many species and in most cases pinioning gives a zoo the ability to give the animals a much more spacious enclosure. If flighted one needs to build an aviary- much more expensive then fencing in a big pond.

I would imagine a free zoo survives like anything else that doesn't charge admissions- making money on concessions, donations, advertizing or being supported by a large private or other institution.