When we think about zoos, we often focus on the animals—but zoos also have a profound impact on people. This chapter explores the growing body of research from the social sciences that highlights the many ways zoos enrich human lives. Far beyond just being places of entertainment, zoos serve as powerful platforms for education, emotional connection, and social engagement. One of the most widely recognised roles of zoos is their contribution to public education. Through interactive exhibits, keeper talks, and immersive experiences, zoos help visitors learn about wildlife, ecosystems, and the urgent need for conservation. But the impact goes deeper than facts and figures. Zoos can spark empathy, curiosity, and a sense of personal responsibility towards the natural world, especially in children and young people, who may be encountering exotic animals for the first time. This chapter also delves into the emotional and psychological benefits of zoo visits. For many, spending time in a zoo offers a rare opportunity to disconnect from the fast pace of urban life and reconnect with nature. Studies have shown that zoo experiences can reduce stress, improve mood, and even foster a sense of awe and wonder, emotions that are increasingly rare in our screen-saturated lives. Zoos can also strengthen social bonds, whether through family outings, school trips, or community events, making them valuable spaces for community cohesion and shared learning. In an era where more people live in cities than ever before, zoos offer a vital link between urban populations and the natural world. By highlighting these human-centred benefits, this chapter underscores the broader social value of zoos, not just as places for animals, but as spaces that support human well-being, education, and connection in a rapidly changing world.