Every year, millions of people visit zoological institutions. Being close to nature and 
animals is important, and zoos make a significant contribution to species 
conservation — but is keeping animals in captivity really appropriate for their 
species? 
Animal researchers and animal welfare organizations make it clear that capturing 
animals, locking them up for display purposes, and deliberately killing or feeding 
surplus creatures is not species-appropriate – and I am sure that many people 
share this view. My project exposes what often remains hidden in zoos and 
highlights animal-friendly alternatives. “Breaking Barriers” tells more than just the 
story of breaking out of cages into an animal-friendly environment. We break down 
barriers that go far beyond virtual reality and start where real change is made 
possible in the first place: I in our thinking—in ourselves.