Zoos?

[st_files]

For a long time I've failed to see how we can justify zoos. Apart from the preservation of rare species I fail to see how its morally justifiable to keep animals in captivity for human entertainment. Most of these animals require far more space than even the most generous enclosure.

Yes I'll admit there is nothing like actually seeing some of these magnificent creatures in the flesh but I just feel the price is too high. There's nothing sadder than seeing chimps eating their own vomit or monkeys gnawing their own tails (both of which I saw in London Zoo last time I went).

Isnt it time these institutions were phased out?

[Groober]

I like Zoo's.

[tegwin]

Traditional zoos per-se are changing..

They are businesses and are there to make money, however more and more of them are part of global breeding programes to help stem the decline of these animals in the wild, many zoos are now at a stage where they can release back into the wild.

Its also worth noting that through the use of zoos scientists can learn an awful lot about animals and the world we live in....

As well as teaching jo-public about the world!

[blindswelledrat]

I think they are a good way for people to see the animals they need to protect.
I would hope that they increase empathy for, hence encourage charity towards endagered species.
Plus they do preserve rare species.

[dirty boy]

blindswelledrat said:

I think they are a good way for people to see the animals they need to protect.
I would hope that they increase empathy for, hence encourage charity towards endagered species.
Plus they do preserve rare species.

I agree.

And in any case, the zoo near me 'Africa Alive' couldn't be further from cramped conditions.

[V8mate]

Groober said:

I like Zoo's.

Zoo's what?

[Simpo Two]

Zoos do far more good than harm.

I suppose you want to release all pet cats, dogs and goldfish too? How about some rabid mink?

[Landlord]

I went to a zoo the other day. It only had one animal, a really wrinkly dog. I came away thinking...

sorry, I can't bring myself to finish the "joke"

[st_files]

Simpo Two said:

Zoos do far more good than harm.

I suppose you want to release all pet cats, dogs and goldfish too? How about some rabid mink?

I just feel that non endangered animals should be allowed to exist in their natural habitats rather than in cages for entertainment.

[V8mate]

st_files said:

Simpo Two said:

Zoos do far more good than harm.

I suppose you want to release all pet cats, dogs and goldfish too? How about some rabid mink?

I just feel that non endangered animals should be allowed to exist in their natural habitats rather than in cages for entertainment.

They do. As well.

[10 Pence Short]

st_files said:

Simpo Two said:

Zoos do far more good than harm.

I suppose you want to release all pet cats, dogs and goldfish too? How about some rabid mink?

I just feel that non endangered animals should be allowed to exist in their natural habitats rather than in cages for entertainment.

Those that are endangered, you're helping to preserve the species. Those that aren't endangered, so what?

Why not free all the poor cows from lives of torment in the fields?

At least animals in zoos get a good stab at life and bring the plight of animals in the wild to the masses.

[rhinochopig]

They're a great idea. It would cost me far more to have st flung at me if I were to visit a gentleman's establishment than the £12 the zoo charges. Plus I get the added bonus of watching monkeys masturbate

[10 Pence Short]

rhinochopig said:

They're a great idea. It would cost me far more to have st flung at me if I were to visit a gentleman's establishment than the £12 the zoo charges. Plus I get the added bonus of watching monkeys masturbate

Why would a Rhino get off on that st?

[st_files]

10 Pence Short said:

st_files said:

Simpo Two said:

Zoos do far more good than harm.

I suppose you want to release all pet cats, dogs and goldfish too? How about some rabid mink?

I just feel that non endangered animals should be allowed to exist in their natural habitats rather than in cages for entertainment.

Those that are endangered, you're helping to preserve the species. Those that aren't endangered, so what?

Why not free all the poor cows from lives of torment in the fields?

At least animals in zoos get a good stab at life and bring the plight of animals in the wild to the masses.

So what? Human entertainment is not a good enough reason to put these animals in captivity.

Cows - mass production of meat for consumption is a good enough reason to keep cows in fields.

IMO.

[sleep envy]

st_files said:

Simpo Two said:

Zoos do far more good than harm.

I suppose you want to release all pet cats, dogs and goldfish too? How about some rabid mink?

I just feel that non endangered animals should be allowed to exist in their natural habitats rather than in cages for entertainment.

what about rescued animals that can't fend for themselves in their natural habitat?

[Mattygooner]

st_files said:

Simpo Two said:

Zoos do far more good than harm.

I suppose you want to release all pet cats, dogs and goldfish too? How about some rabid mink?

I just feel that non endangered animals should be allowed to exist in their natural habitats rather than in cages for entertainment.

Then they would be endangered...

[V8mate]

st_files said:

10 Pence Short said:

st_files said:

Simpo Two said:

Zoos do far more good than harm.

I suppose you want to release all pet cats, dogs and goldfish too? How about some rabid mink?

I just feel that non endangered animals should be allowed to exist in their natural habitats rather than in cages for entertainment.

Those that are endangered, you're helping to preserve the species. Those that aren't endangered, so what?

Why not free all the poor cows from lives of torment in the fields?

At least animals in zoos get a good stab at life and bring the plight of animals in the wild to the masses.

So what? Human entertainment is not a good enough reason to put these animals in captivity.

Cows - mass production of meat for consumption is a good enough reason to keep cows in fields.

IMO.

Entertainment? They don't sing or dance on demand.
Education, surely?

[toasty]

Landlord said:

I went to a zoo the other day. It only had one animal, a really wrinkly dog. I came away thinking...

sorry, I can't bring myself to finish the "joke"

...they should really offer Botox to the animals to raise their self esteem?

[10 Pence Short]

st_files said:

So what? Human entertainment is not a good enough reason to put these animals in captivity.

Cows - mass production of meat for consumption is a good enough reason to keep cows in fields.

IMO.

A Zebra in the wild stands a good chance more of being eaten by something in the world than it does in captivity. That's if it doesn't starve to death, die of thirst or shot for its skin.

As I said, some species are endangered and the breeding programs have the added benefit of allowing the public to see the animals and to appreciate the peril they're in.

Some species are common as muck, just not here, so it's nice for people to see them. It's no different from keeping a house cat or a farmer having livestock. Neither are 'free'.

I have better things to worry about than whether Peter the Polar Bear finds life in Regents Park a bit boring.

[st_files]

sleep envy said:

st_files said:

Simpo Two said:

Zoos do far more good than harm.

I suppose you want to release all pet cats, dogs and goldfish too? How about some rabid mink?

I just feel that non endangered animals should be allowed to exist in their natural habitats rather than in cages for entertainment.

what about rescued animals that can't fend for themselves in their natural habitat?

Fair enough.