I think zoos are open on Christmas for the same reason Disneyland is open on Christmas (and Disneyland is insanely crowded on that day)—it’s something to do with the kids after morning gift opening!
I’m sure Disneyland and other kid-friendly places make a lot of money during the “holiday season;” people are on vacation and many parents don’t want to be cooped up with lots of kids in the house. . .
The zoo needs to get updated to secure the animals IMHO. People will taunt & do stupid things & the zoo has to protect the animals . People are supposed to know better then to taunt animals or let their children taunt them. I feel badly for everyone in this story but I still say we aren't getting the truth & that something stinks .