Wild is not so wild - Images primarily from Phoenix Zoo and San Diego Wild Animal Park.
Photographing zoo animals is a bit less thrilling than shooting animals in the wild (though it is considerably safer and so much easier). However, its a great opportunity to approach many rare and exotic (and often endangered) species.
Better still, they are there waiting for you whenever the mood strikes you to photograph animals.
Zoo photography is surprisingly good practice for photographing in the wild, it will teach you a lot about patience, telephoto-lens technique, and just how difficult it is to get great animal shots even in a very controlled circumstance.