I’ve written before about my conflicted feelings when it comes to zoos. All things being equal, I think animals are better off in their natural habitats. All things aren’t equal, though, and for some species, zoos are their only chance for survival. I went to the local zoo with family members over the weekend, and there were a few small enclosures that made me sad, but for the most part the animals looked healthy. We talked with a zookeeper who said their Amur leopards, of which there are only about 30 remaining in the wild, had produced four live cubs, including three females, that would go a long way toward retaining genetic variability.
Advertisements
Molly
Comments on: "Rethinking my stance on zoos" (5)
Neat! I went to the zoo w/out leaving home! I also have mixed feelings about zoos. Usually dislike them intensely, but if they’re the only saving grace for some animals, then they may be necessary.
I don’t think animals that aren’t endangered should be in captivity, but for those that are on the brink of extinction, zoos may be their only options.
It’s hard to think of animals like dolphins in aquariums when you have seen them in the wild like we did. Amazing experience!
Yes, I’d definitely rather dolphins stay in the wild so they don’t end up in aquariums or as dinner on someone’s plate.
[…] than an hour talking about dozens of subjects. Somehow the topic of zoos came up, and I mentioned my recent visit to the one in town, including how sad it is that some of those animals, like the Amur leopards, are […]