How do you feel about zoos?

[FriendlyShadow]

Do you believe animals should be held in capacity from their wild lives, or should stick to being in their natural social habitats. Do you think a zoo is a good or a bad place to keep animals. I just want to hear you opinions.

 

[BlackPuma]

As long as they're properly provided for (nourishment/space/medicine) it's fine I think.

But many zoos aren't capable of that to the fullest extend. Some animals may not mind the lack of space much, but there's also those the display clear signs of boredom and frustration.

I'm more for big wild life enclosures then zoos. Where the animals are provided with sufficient nourishment and medical help were it necessary, but have the benefit of freely moving about without being restricted too much.

Whether they belong/should be in captivity or not, I can't really judge. Biologically they're not supposed to be exposed to such a live, but then again, neither are we. And we enjoy the comforts despite the restrictions quite a bit.

Some animals are happier no doubt. Whether that's in the best interest of the eco system however is a different matter all together.

 

[gustavofring]

I personally feel animals belong in the wild, but I am a hypocrite because I still like visiting it and awing at beautiful animals. Ideally, the best thing you could say is that atleast endangered species will survive if they are kept in zoos, but I always distrust man intervening in nature. A lot of people have a distorted view of nature and a lot of things people do that they think is good for animals and nature are actually doing harm. Human morals and emotions and needs don't apply to nature.

 

[MikeyC]

Not a fan. I don't like the idea of keeping wild animals in enclosures - even if they're similar to their habitat - for people to gawk at. I've been to zoos before and I always feel for them.

When Planet of the Apes is a reality, it will be humans in the enclosures! Just you wait.

 

[Silatuyok]

I was okay with the idea of zoos as centers of conservation and education...until I worked in one. Basically, it is like a museum, only the exhibits are living animals instead of oil paintings or artifacts. Meaning, exhibits are regularly loaned out to other zoos, or swapped for other animals on a very regular basis, in order to keep up the public's interest and bring in revenue. Some of the animals never have a permanent home, but instead are shipped across the country (or the world) several times in the course of their lives, only to arrive in a new place that doesn't necessarily know how to care for them. You can only imagine the stress that this causes, to have their environment and diet and caretakers switched every year or so. On the upside, this could prevent them from being stuck in a bad situation for their entire lives, but I still just can't stand the idea of animals as a commodity.

 

[MikeyC]

the exhibits are living animals instead of oil paintings or artifacts. Meaning, exhibits are regularly loaned out to other zoos, or swapped for other animals on a very regular basis, in order to keep up the public's interest and bring in revenue. Some of the animals never have a permanent home, but instead are shipped across the country (or the world) several times in the course of their lives, only to arrive in a new place that doesn't necessarily know how to care for them. You can only imagine the stress that this causes, to have their environment and diet and caretakers switched every year or so.

This I didn't know. How awful.

 

[BlackPuma]

Not a fan. I don't like the idea of keeping wild animals in enclosures - even if they're similar to their habitat - for people to gawk at. I've been to zoos before and I always feel for them.

When Planet of the Apes is a reality, it will be humans in the enclosures! Just you wait.

If I still diligently get my pizza every week, then all hail our new monkey overlords!

 

[hidwell]

Unfortunately the way we humans are breeding there will be no room for animals in the wild soon, so the only place to see animals in the future will be zoos.

 

[Kiwong]

I think zoos have a role to play, in captive breeding programs for endangered species, in research into animal behaviour, and for educating and informing the public about the plight of animals in the wild.

Of course there are zoos that exploit animals to make money, and there is no place for zoos like that.

 

[Lea]

I think it´s not ideal, but people always don´t have ideal conditions either. At least they have provided everything, even if they don´t have total freedom. What I don´t like is when peple are screaming around like mad or try to freak them out. They should have respect to the animals and not stress them.

 

[Flanscho]

In general, I think that zoos are very educational and teach children a lot.

Though it depends a lot on the animal. Most fish, insects, spiders, small mammals and the like? Sure, why not. But polar bears for example, or wolves, that normally have huuuuuuuge territories? That's not ok.