1. When we first meet Caroline she seems crippled by a need to please others. Her friend Bella calls her “a prim little kiss-ass.” Is this a fair assessment? Do the events of the story bear this out? 
  2. Initially, Iris appears stubborn and opinionated. Do these traits work in her favor or stand in her way? How does she change?
  3. What role does the elephant Princess or Judy play? Why was the flashback to the circus included?
  4. Caroline and Iris are separated by at least a generation. Does this explain their differing world views, or is something else at play?
  5. Caroline’s defense of Ridge Park Zoo and Iris’ defense of her land put them at odds. What role does Rafael play in bringing them together?
  6. Was Zelda important to the story? What does Zelda reveal about Iris?
  7. Several characters–Victor, Chappy, Dr. Peter, Kirby, Julie, Donna, Bella and Neil–played supporting roles. Who was the most interesting to you?  Did any of them deserve a larger role?
  8. Sarah, “the bimbo,” plays a small, but pivotal part. Did you find her believable or merely a stereotype?  
  9. Five of Iris’ Sunday columns are scattered throughout the narrative. What did they reveal about Iris’ thinking?
  10. When Neil is arrested, Caroline doubts his innocence. Was she too quick to doubt him or were her suspicions understandable? 
  11. In the end, the zoo, the farm and the mine are all “repurposed.” What message is the author intending?
  12. The author presents a distinct point of view on modern, well-run zoos. What is it? Do you agree? Did the book change your own thinking about zoos?
  13. In the epilogue, what was the significance of Rafael’s lesson about stones with the toddler Iris in the final scene?
  14. What is the significance of the title, Raised in Captivity? Who are the captives in the story?
  15. If the author wrote a sequel to Raised in Captivity what should happen?

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