Refreshments at the zoo | The Salt Lake Tribune

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In "Gouged at the zoo" (Forum, Oct. 2), Bryan Nash is concerned about the cost of refreshments at Hogle Zoo. He mistakenly blames the zoo, and is reconsidering his commitment to having his taxes support it.

The zoo's refreshments and "Beastro" are contracted services. Our Zoo, Arts and Parks tax funds are used to provide the animals with a humane, natural environment, healthy food and medical care.

I remember Princess Alice, the elephant who lived in a windowless building with a cement floor, steel railing for confinement and no protection from the many people who fed her peanuts, harassed her and tried to pet her. On a good day, she was brought outside where, for a fee, children could sit on her.

Today's Hogle Zoo provides the animals with a natural environment, fresh food and humane treatment.

Refreshments at the state fair, movies and amusement parks are all overpriced. At the zoo, you can bring your own food and spare the expense.

Don't punish the animals at Hogle Zoo for the price of the refreshments you choose to buy.

Nikki Zito

Holladay