Animal exploitation for fun and profit

This camel is part of a petting zoo that is set up outside our local mall. The animal rights activist in me is immediately offended by any and all operations like this. The animals are kept out in little cages where they can be reached for 8 to 12 hours. This is with no regards to their normal needs or habits. I am assuming that when they are not here they have a fine place to live and the best care available. But those hours in the tent must be terrifying for them.
The animal loving kid in me, however, would have soaked this up. I have always had an insatiable interest in animals and took every opportunity to see and learn about every living thing. I know there were children there today that may have their activists awakened. Maybe one kid will go home with a new found love and respect for life.