My love/hate relationship with zoological parks is a never ending debate within my head. I just wish there was another way to educate people about the plight of animals in the wild, instead of confining so many to an unnatural existence. When all you want to do is work with animals, but also need to make an income, your choices are often limited. The best alternative for me, was to volunteer at shelters and sanctuaries around the world. This enabled me to learn more and become a better educator than ever before.
Zoological parks offer work with native and exotic wildlife. The purpose of keeping these animals confined in a space much smaller than they would occupy in the wild is something I struggle to support.
Yes, zoos give people the opportunity to learn and see different species that they wouldn’t normally have the privilege of encountering. Enclosure space and animal care have improved and come along way since zoos were first opened. However they will never come close to what the wild can offer.
Yes, the wild is dangerous and both legal and illegal activities are causing many species around the world to become extinct. Which of course is tremendously sad, frustrating and unacceptable.
Yes, zoos have been raising much needed funds for rescue and rehabilitation projects around the world, who are in need of support. They are also providing important education programs for children local and abroad, to help fight the extinction of certain species.
But aren’t we being selfish, keeping these animals locked “safe” in these enclosures for the enjoyment of paying customers? Are these animals truly happy? Is it fair to keep them locked up, observing them constantly, laughing at them, banging on their enclosures, etc?
I realise this is a controversial subject and there are many aspects to think about. Education is certainly an important aspect. Can’t we educate without keeping animals confined. I know we want to keep endangered animals alive, but is it fair to keep them alive, just to confine them to a zoo? Is there not another option?
During my university degree I volunteered at several zoological parks around Australia and New Zealand. This gave me the opportunity to see first hand the dedication and commitment zookeepers have for the animals they look after. It also allowed me to learn more about how zoos operate. Five years after completing my degree, I got a paying job at a private zoo in Victoria, Australia. This was my chance to finally work with native and exotic wildlife. A dream of mine, since I could remember. However it was a conflicting experience for me.
The time I spent at this zoo enabled me to learn a great deal. It made me appreciate the hard work keepers put in everyday. As well as the passion and love they have for each and every animal they work with. I became extremely attached and emotional. I fought for their rights as much as my own.
In the end I couldn’t continue supporting the use of animals as a business. I felt responsible for keeping these animals locked in an artificial environment and that just didn’t sit well with me. I did my best to educate visitors and make each animals day that much better than the last. However I felt like a walking contradiction. So after a challenging, yet eye opening experience, I decided after much debate to end my employment.
Since then I have made it my goal to volunteer with charities I support, who need an extra helping hand. Consequently, these experiences have enabled me to become more aware of of a range of different species and their struggle for survival in the wild. I am constantly learning to help spread awareness to the people I encounter at home and abroad. To hopefully encourage people to take a keener interest in the animals we share this earth with.
I understand not everyone is in a position to volunteer. However we need to find another way to educate ourselves and our children. How can we learn about native and exotic wildlife if it’s not from visiting a zoo? David Attenborough has fascinating documentaries, I know I learn more from his series than any visit to a zoo.
It just saddens me that a nice day out for you is a life long imprisonment for a wild animal. Although I’m not saying to release them all. Since most captive animals are too reliant on their keepers to be able to survive in the wild now. However not every animal who breeds or is artificially inseminated in a zoo has the option of being released into wild. The breeding programs for these species should be stopped. It is not fair to breed just to keep the species alive in a zoo, and thus the survival of the zoological park.
Wouldn’t it be better if zoos were not needed? How about an interactive 3D zoo, showing incredible 360° imagery. With realistic animal sounds to spark interest and conversation instead.
Thanks for reading!
Please leave a comment about anything you read, or if need any advice. I would love to hear from you. I am keen to hear both sides of this debate.
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Wow an outstanding Details, this might be eye-catching, executing our research about keeping in mind. Thanks a lot
Thank you for your comment. I am glad you liked this post. Definitely something we should all keep in mind.
Me encanta tu blog !!!
Este es el debate infinito…. yo me encuentro exactamente en el mismo punto que tú con respecto a los zoos.
Gracias por compartir tus vivencias… tan interesantes…..
This is a constant battle in my head too. I just can’t bring myself to appreciate zoo’s. Seeing this absolutely tremendous animals kept in such small spaces is heratbreaking to me. I have only been to Werribee and melbourne Zoo and I did not leave there with a smike on my face. I felt deep sadness. I was so excited to see my absolute favourite animal in the world in the flesh – the Orangutan. When i finally got to the enclosure, I cried. My family thought it was because I was excited or tears of joy but it was complete sadness and guilt.
Instead of going to a zoo, I will colubteer my time in Borneo helping at a rehab centre. That is where I will get a more true experience.
I could talk about this topic for a looong time but I think we are in agreeance that education can come from a 3d type film or books until old enoigh to seek out experiences like you do to see them in a better environment.
Great post!
I know exactly how you feel.
When people find out I love animals, there first reaction is to tell me their favourite zoo. Then to ask me which one mine is.
When I tell them my thoughts of zoos they are often shocked and can’t quite comprehend what I’m saying.
If you can volunteer in the animals actual country of origin you will learn a great deal more and see the animal in a completely different way!
I am excited for you to go to Borneo, I would love to go too!
This is such a great debate! As both sides of the fence have strong relative arguments. I tend to see that the actual workers of the zoo, yes are people like yourself and all about the safety and livelihood of the animals at hand, whilst it is bigger forces being the elite like the government or owners and shareholders of the Zoo’s are the ones that keep then enclosed in order to make money using the facade to the public eye or (less educated) that they need to be in a Zoo in order to keep them safe and breeding etc. Making us all feel comfortable with what is actually going on here. You have touched on a lot of points and it is so commendable and really shows you have a beautiful heart and a huge passion! Thank you for sharing.
Yes I hear this debate often…I don’t think there is a clear right or wrong 🙂 You are glowing when you are with animals…photos are great 🙂
It is definitely a debate that will continue for a long time to come unfortunately, because there is a lot of money to be made. I love being surrounded and in the presence of animals. They make me see things differently, make me calmer and make me feel like I’m where I should be. Thanks for your kind comment.
I liked zoos as a child, now less and less. But I do like photos whit koala. 🙂 Adorable.
The koalas in my photos are from the rehab/sanctuary. I did not ask them to come on me, but they climbed on me and were happy to be held. This is not the case for all captive animals and we have to realise some koalas, baby crocs, snakes amongst other animals we pay to have our photos taken with, may not be enjoying it as much as you. So even though it looks cute, the animals may be suffering for that photo.
Amazing article. You really go into detail on your passions and beliefs well done. I understand your ideas on Zoos, The last time I visited one was purely work related otherwise i’ll wait until I see them in the wild if I can.
Thanks for your kind words. I am glad you feel the same regarding zoos. When ever I see an animal in the wild, I always feel privileged to have witnessed there wild habits!
It’s a difficult one for sure. Some zoos are better than others as they really care for the animals and take care of them. Some have saved animals from extinction too. It doesn’t change the fact that they are all in captivity though.
That’s why this conversation is so hard. Yes some are doing great things and some not. In either case money is being made and animals are being kept for our “enjoyment” – because how often do you go to a zoo and leave fully prepared to tackle the issues that many of these animals are facing in the wild.
Hate zoos, love sanctuaries or rehab centers that open to the public in an organised animal friendly manner. I love your blog by the way!
Wildlife rehabilitation centers, shouldn’t really be open to the public. If they plan to release the animals, then less human interaction is best for their survival in the wild. Sanctuaries are there for animals who cannot be released and breeding should definitely not occur. The animals should be the most important, not the humans, so make sure if you visit a place, it has an organised tour and you can’t just touch and play with who you want! So glad you’re loving the blog 🙂
Such an interesting debate, I always think it depends on the zoo and which country it is in and whether they are aiming to entertain tourists or rehabilitate the animals. I guess a bit of both is necessary but sometimes its difficult to tell whether the animals are in any way benefiting in their new environment.
Of course there are zoos in some countries that do no conservation and are aimed solely at tourism and others which try to raise awareness and funds. It is difficult but in either situation I don’t see why we need to condemn further generations into a captive lifestyle.
These animals look so adorable 😉
They all were and I learnt so much from each one!