The document discusses the history of animal cruelty and conditions in zoos. In the past, zoo cages were very small and overcrowded, prioritizing entertainment for humans over animal welfare. Some zoos still force seals and dolphins to perform meaningless circus tricks for crowds. The author argues that animals are intelligent and would prefer to engage in natural behaviors like swimming instead of performances. Everyone should think about how they would feel if locked in a small space or forced to humiliate themselves, and work to end such practices.