The project To Zoo or Not to Zoo was born from two key motivations: (1) to provide international mobility opportunities to students with fewer opportunities, in line with the DiscoverEU - Inclusion Action goals, and (2) to encourage critical reflection on the role and justification of zoos in modern society. The idea stemmed from a growing awareness among students and teachers that zoos are often taken for granted, yet raise complex ethical, ecological, and educational questions. The project aimed to confront these questions through direct experience, observation, discussion, and public engagement. It provided students with a chance to explore the world outside their hometown, one of them for the first time, while also exploring complex global issues. The main objectives of the project were: 1. Promote inclusion and equal access to mobility The project specifically targeted students with limited financial means, minimal travel experience, and those from single-parent or disadvantaged family backgrounds. The aim was to give them the opportunity to travel, collaborate, and learn in international environments they otherwise could not access. 2. Develop critical thinking and ethical awareness Students were encouraged to reflect on whether zoos are still justified in today’s world, and to analyze their impact from an ethical, educational, and ecological point of view. This theme allowed participants to discuss animal welfare, species conservation, and human responsibility in a balanced, research-based manner. 3. Foster key transversal competences The project aimed to strengthen 21st-century skills among participants: communication in foreign languages (particularly English), digital media literacy, teamwork, public speaking, intercultural awareness, and decision-making. These were developed through collaborative work, peer presentations, and the production of digital content such as video reports. 4. Encourage civic responsibility and environmental sensitivity By visiting not only zoos, but also museums, botanical gardens, and cultural and historical landmarks, students were guided to view zoos in a broader societal context - as places of learning, leisure, and debate. The visit to the botanical garden in Bratislava, where the zoo was closed, further deepened the discussion on biodiversity and human impact. 5. Empower students to share their voice One of the core objectives was to teach students how to observe, analyze, and communicate their views publicly. Through social media posts, video reports, and discussions with peers and teachers, students developed confidence in presenting informed, personal perspectives on complex issues. In summary, the project sought to combine international travel, inclusive education, and youth empowerment. By integrating ethical inquiry with practical exploration and digital storytelling, To Zoo or Not to Zoo offered a unique space where learning, reflection, and self-growth came together. The ultimate goal was to make participants more independent, aware, and ready to contribute thoughtfully to society, while giving visibility to students who are often overlooked in traditional mobility programs.