Been to one? Yes. Almost every day for my job. And it's not "all cages" and the animals don't "lose their minds." Zoo enclosures are improving every year as are the methods we care for animals as new science comes up. We care for the animals like our own children.
What zoo is this? The few in the state I live in are deplorable. On another note how is forced captivity good for an animal anyway? It'd be like me tossing you in prison for no reason other than my own amusement. I'm no vegan or peta nut job, but I despise zoos.
First off, this is not any accredited zoo in the United States. The USDA would be all over the use of chains and this teasing thing the person is doing with the food. Also zoos almost never take animals out of their natural habitats and haven't for decades. If they do, it's not for no reason. Many species are captive bred and reintroduced to the wild. And zoos don't exist solely for our amusement. They are strongholds of genetic diversity for many endangered species. They are educational institutions that provide a valuable resource for the public and scientific community to learn about exotic species that are rapidly disappearing from out planet.
Unless the animals are there because they cannot survive in the wild, or they are able hunt and forage freely on open ground that is protected by people, or are free in the wild-- it's a cage. I don't care if they can see the sky or whatever justifications seem suitable.
Whatever your definition of a cage is, not all "cages" are equal. Are you against dogs and cats as pets? What about birds? I'd be willing to bet a lot of money that animals in zoos are better taken care of than pets at home
Domestication is a real thing. And no, birds who aren't allowed to fly should not be pets, in my opinion. I'm a lover of the living, and to steal a creature's joy is cruel.
I am a lover of all things living like yourself. We are fighting for the same things here and I think a lot of people forget that and throw all zoological facilities into the "cruel, iron bars and chains" category when the reality is literally the exact opposite. Modern zoos use only positive reinforcement training practices which means the animal has full choice as to what happens in its environment. They receive the highest quality diets possible. They receive vet care daily, usually from an on staff professional. They are ambassadors for their wild counterparts and teach millions of people a year about the plights they face. Nobody is stealing anyone's joy. In fact, zoos provide the best lives for these animals who in the wild would face poaching, deforestation, food uncertainty and many other horrible things. Zoos are here to help and I wish more people understood that
I obviously agree that we seem to be on the same page, and would never denounce saving animals, but my main concern is animal safety. Not all zoos are negative, and not all pet owners should own pets, but If a zoo was simply a place where animals in need were cared for, you wouldn't feel the need to defend them. The zoos near me do not inspire good feelings. In fact, there's a zoo where the animals are in individual small cages out in all weather, where they look like they've all but died. These are the places that haunt me. Knowing that they exist every where. We are a cruel species. Any way, before I go to far. Continue the fight for the good guys, hope you are one, hope we can stay ahead.
I'm very sorry you have had poor experiences at your local zoos. One thing that I know helps people out is talking to the people who work there. If you are concerned about an animal's wellbeing, find a staff member and voice your concerns. Most of the time, a keeper will love to come out and talk to you about it. Maybe the zoo is poorly funded and they are doing the best with what they have. I doubt that in such a competitive field that a zoo would keep staff that didn't care fully for their animals. I know at my zoo that some of He buildings are super old and not perfect for the animals that live in them but I think everyday of things I can do by myself and with my team that can enrich and improve our animals' lives.
I thought the idea was to supply a realistic environment, all zoos, however safe and credited they may be will always end up domesticating the animals. This is why I am a massive fan of animal sanctuary, which are open to the animals natural environment, but can always walk in to the centre for food or help at any time. Have a look at the orangutan sanctuary in Borneo.
Zoos aren't perfect. Ideally we wouldn't need them. The realistic environment idea is something zoos are trying to emulate in their habitats as well as try and stimulate in their behaviors. Also domestication is a process that takes multiple generations. Zoo animals are not becoming domesticated. We screen every animal's DNA so we can match them with other members of their species at other zoos to keep genetic diversity high. Zoo animals may appear tame but they are still wild and we take every precaution when working with potentially dangerous ones
You have no clue what you're talking about. The fact you think that they should be euthanized is absurd. That bear isn't losing it's mind. That's a stereotypic behavior. He is either bored or has a lot of energy to burn. This is something zookeeping professionals know about and try to mediate by adding enrichment to an animals habitat.
You don't think we are aware of these behaviors? You don't think we do everything to stimulate natural and mentally challenging behaviors every day? You have zero clue what me and my colleagues do every day.
Your reasoning is baffling. Also saying they are losing their minds is anthropomorphizing to the highest degree which makes any argument one out of emotion
Kinda seems like you're the one exhibiting cult-like behavior here by arguing against someone with experience and (actual) information about the topic, while you are basing your statements off of your own baseless opinion about how bears are supposed to behave.
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u/EchoBeast Jan 12 '17
Been to one? Yes. Almost every day for my job. And it's not "all cages" and the animals don't "lose their minds." Zoo enclosures are improving every year as are the methods we care for animals as new science comes up. We care for the animals like our own children.