Shanester, yes, sadly, albeit illegal, some of those activites are still pursued.
About the zoo here...I went there once...and will never again set foot into that establishment.....I am not sure about the culture thing...I think it may be that animals are thought of, or viewed different by some people.

I have seen people screaming and running in fear when they see a dog or cat....it is known that some people intentionally hurt or even torture animals for entertainment....but culture, no, I think not.