One possible theme could be the exploration of the unknown. Since it's a science - fiction story about a zoo, the zoo likely contains things that are not familiar to us, like new species or strange habitats.
In many science - fiction short stories, the zoo can be a very interesting setting. It might not be a traditional zoo like we have in our world. For example, it could be a zoo on an alien planet where the 'animals' are strange and unknown creatures. These zoos can be used to explore themes like otherness, captivity, and the relationship between different species.
One common theme is captivity and freedom. The animals in the zoo represent beings trapped, and often the stories explore their longing for freedom or the implications of their captivity in a science - fictional context.
It could be about a very unique zoo in a science - fiction setting. Maybe the animals there are not ordinary, like genetically - modified or alien animals. For example, the zoo might be on a different planet where the creatures have strange abilities or appearances.
In a future zoo, the animals were not what they seemed. The lions were robotic, designed to teach kids about the extinct real lions. The zebras were holograms, changing patterns to represent different subspecies. The zookeepers were all scientists. One day, a young girl entered the zoo. She was amazed by the robotic lion's realistic roar. But when she reached out to touch it, her hand passed through. That's when she realized the new world of the zoo and was inspired to learn more about the history of these animals.
There could be a zoo in a well - known short story that is famous for being a place where time - traveling animals are kept. The unique nature of these animals makes the zoo stand out in the science - fiction world of the story.
A zoo in a short sci - fi story could be a place where alien animals are kept. For example, it might have a transparent force field instead of cages. The animals could have strange abilities like mind - reading or teleportation. The zookeepers would need high - tech gear to manage them.
One possible theme could be exploitation. Just like a leech exploits its host, there might be characters or entities in the story that are exploiting others for their own gain.
The main theme could be the relationship between humans and animals. In a zoo, zookeepers take care of the animals, and there could be a story about how they interact, how humans protect or sometimes unknowingly harm the animals. It could also touch on the importance of zoos in conservation. Zoos often play a role in breeding programs for endangered species. So the story might be centered around these aspects of the human - animal relationship in the context of a zoo.
I don't know the story, so I can't say who the main characters are.
There is also 'The Zoo Story' by Edward Albee. Although it's more of a play, it has elements that can be related to a zoo in a very metaphorical sense. It delves into human relationships and isolation, which can be seen as the 'animals' in the 'zoo' of society.