When traveling we often like to go visit the Zoo. Most of the time a zoo in a city is actually an amazing place to still do something worth while and at the same time get a break from sight seeing. As I grew up in a little mountain town going to the zoo was something really special and usually it was the big treat on my birthday.
My favorite animal in the zoo my mom and grandma used to take me for my birthday was the black panther. I still remember this beautiful animal, so proud, so massive, so stunning… and yet, so sad. He must have been so bored, so frustrated. There was nothing in his cage but a bowl of water. Not stuff to climb on, nothing to hide in, under or on, nothing to chew on, scratch the claws or play with. He was simply there, walking in circles, displayed in a cage maybe 3m x 3m, all by himself.
Back in the days the zoo animals were not spoiled at all. They lived in tiny cages, just enough space for them to do a little round, watched by all the people, screaming kids and probably bored like crazy.
Times have changed. You can discuss about how much sense it makes to lock animals up in zoos. For me there’s one big plus to it: Keeping some species alive. And of course education.
What I found has changed massively is how the animals are kept. At least in the places I have visited. Many zoos no longer showcase all sort of animals and have cut back on the ones that need to roam in a big enclosure in order to be kept more or less according to their nature. They have created enclosures that at least seem similar to the surroundings the animals would live in. Over seem the times of a cold concrete cages. So many zoos have created areas where the animals are harder to spot because they can actually walk around, hide from the visitors and act according to their nature.
An animal in a zoo will never be able to live its life the way it’s supposed to. But what the zoos seem to do is at least make their home at least a little bit more enjoyable than what it used to be. And that is for sure a good start.
Inspired by Jennnifer Nichole Wells’ OWPC – Cage
Love the quote at the end. I have mixed feelings about zoos. It always makes sad for those animals, even though they’re generally well cared for.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Same here… but then, they are needed in a way too. To educate and also for trying to keep some species on this planet (even though I think we might eventually lose this battle…).
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s true. Just seems cruel. Though captive animals would never be able to survive on their own in the wild. I guess, like most things, there’s good and bad.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Times have changed, thank goodness. I hate the thought of animals being behind bars but most of the zoos here in Australia are like safari parks, with animals almost appearing to be in their own environment. And you’re right, it has a huge benefit with the survival of many species that could otherwise be wiped out. Great post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly… Have not been to Melbourne Zoo in ages. Do they still showcase the old cages? I thought it was amazing to see how zoo animals were kept and now are kept sort of “next to each other” there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I haven’t been to the Melb Zoo in ages myself though my sister in law goes regularly with her daughter, I don’t know whether they showcase the old cages. I know that Werribee Range Park is amazing and just like being out in the Savannah, so much space for the animals.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have not been there for ages too… long overdue…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the black panther, though I can’t remember having seeing any at the zoo. My mom and I did manage to see the pandas at the National Zoo in D.C. I did appreciate that they had plenty of space to roam and seemed to be quite content with each other.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like the fact that so many zoos are trying to make the most of their enclosures. It’s so much nicer to watch the animals like this.
LikeLike
And thank you for coming over and checking out my blog 🙂
LikeLike
Pingback: One Word Photo Challenge: Camel – Jennifer Nichole Wells