Thoughts About Zoos

Hey guys!

       As my internship approaches I've been thinking a lot about animals in captivity. Although I have only seen the zoo environment through the eyes of a visitor, I feel that zoos have changed so much. At first they were like a circus/freak show for people to watch these exotic animals with no thoughts about the animal's well being. Many assumed that they were not conscious creatures like humans, so why worry about their "needs". However, as awareness has increased, the exhibits have gotten a lot better. Still not to the level of "natural" environment but many are doing their best to try to mimic the natural environment to the best of their abilities.

       The other night I recorded a show called "Zoo Confidential" or something like that. It is set at the Houston Zoo and does a "behind the scene" look at zoo life in general. There were segments where an Asian elephant gave birth to baby boy (so crazy, it weighed 168lbs), creating enrichment activities for primates and carnivores, as well as vets looking and taking care of all the animals. As I watched, I really saw the dedication that the zoo keepers and the vets have for these animals. I only saw 3 episodes but in those 3 episodes I saw the zookeepers display strong emotion ranging from the triumph of a baby elephant being successful born to the dismay of an ocelot being ill and being unable to find the cause at first. Watching that, and knowing my passion and love for animals, it's really hard for me to think that these people would want to do anything to "abuse" these animals. Yes, I know it happens. Yes, it sucks a lot and shouldn't happen. However, I honestly feel the zookeeper's  passion for animals is real. If you left it up the zookeepers and ethologists to create their own exhibits for the animals, I think it would be magical. However, there is that funny thing called money and that awkwardly necessary thing called space. Both the zoo/aquarium world lack these so everyone has to make due. Fact.

Examples of Zookeeper/Ethologist Exhibits

Coast with 24hr rainbow

A little Green

Some mountains + lake

Haha maybe I went a little overboard... ;)

However....
While I can see how people see zoos as cruel because we "take" the animal from its natural environment and force it into a small, artificial environment. But isn't it a tradeoff?  They could be in the wild where the have "endless" (not really anymore obvi) freedom, but have no guarantee of food or medical care or be captive with a guarantee of the stability of always having food and having all your aliments taken care of but live in a much smaller environment.
The fact is that most of these animal's environments are gone. They have nowhere to go. Even if they are in the wild, it's no walk in the park. (lulz) The wild is a hard place to live. Depending on what species you are, food can be very hard to find if not impossible in some seasons. They may little to no shelter from the elements.

Oh hey Death Valley! Looking Smoking Hot Today! ;)

Or how about some snow?

Yes, I know that animals can and do miraculous survive these conditions and some species prefer a more extreme temperature in captivity than others. However, these seasons can be extremely rough on the animals, pushing them to their absolute limit.


Also, parasites run rampant in almost all animals both external or internal. (umm ew.)

 Deer Tick

  Tapeworm

*Note: Even parasites have every right to live and I do not mean to discriminate against them but due to the parastitc relationship in which they benefit and I suffer I would not be too thrilled to have any.  I assume many other animals agree. Howeverrrrr, parasites are really interesting and usually have the most insane life cycles where they bro chill in intermediate hosts before getting into the final host.

 

Actually, humans in developed areas are the only species that do not have some sort of parasite. (Although it was a fad for weight loss to give yourself tapeworms. lolzwat?)

       I think the people who want to release all the animals back into the wild have a very romanticized version of the "wild". It's the wild that we all have a secret urge to go back to. To a life where we don't have to worry about money, work, and excess stress. To many people, they associate the wild with a sense of freedom. "Can YOU paint with all the colors of the wind?" much?

 But that's not reality, not even close. If humans ever had a relationship with nature it's long gone now.