Zoos come up in loose conversation. “As far as I am concerned,” I mention in passing, “going to a restaurant or café is like going to a zoo.” Humans are interesting to watch, that is. This starts me thinking, though. Humans can come and go. They are pretty free to roam. Zoos are quite different, for the animals are forever confined to their cages, no matter how ample or even comfortable. But it does not take me long to remember my distinction between domesticated and wild humans. The former are everywhere by now, while the later are few and far between. At this juncture, wild humans are a rarity, indeed. It would take quite an effort to come across them, let alone to watch them in the wild. As for domesticated humans, they are confined in thousands of ways. Their cages are safely in their own heads. Returning to zoos, I opt for a slight if crucial concession. “Yes,” I repeat with added assurance, “going to a restaurant or café is like going to an open zoo.” After all, there are open jails, as well.