You have a good heart for the animals, Ed. We all share in the pain. It’s part of the conversation and the good company that we keep for the animals. Thank you for giving voice to them.
I’ve said it before… the time to close all zoos is now.
Little Joe’s death is tragic, heartbreaking, and I believe, avoidable.
We can provide education to children, as you stated; by showing them documentaries, the internet, even owning a pet at a young age teaches responsibility and creates a love & respect for animals.
Personally, I developed a heart for gorillas by watching Tarzan. As a child, going to the zoo was comparable to going to an amusement park. I was lucky to go home…
Unbeknownst to me, the animals would be stuck in cages for their entire lives.
I understand that some animals cannot be released back into the wild due to injury, deformation, or a lifetime of confinement. Perhaps large animal sanctuaries can provide a teaching aspect while the animals live in the closest thing to their natural habitat. No bars, no glass.
Zoos only objectify animals. In my opinion, there really is not a whole lot of education going on. Not seeing animals in their natural environment makes them seem less real, less emotional, and less dangerous. We don’t see them hunting for food, protecting their young, and the sometimes vicious circle of life.
Children only want to touch them, feed them, and buy a cute plush toy in the gift shop on their way out… forgetting the real life and suffering of the actual animal.
Again, this teaches children to objectify; not to respect God’s soulful creations.
Thank you, Andrea, for sharing your heartfelt thoughts on Little Joe's passing and the broader issue of zoo ethics. Your perspective resonates deeply with the themes of my article. It's inspiring to hear your commitment to promoting education and respect for animals, and your personal experiences underscore the profound impact that early exposure to educational and even entertainment media can have on shaping our perceptions of wildlife. Your suggestion of large animal sanctuaries as alternatives to traditional zoos is thought-provoking and aligns with the call for more ethical approaches to wildlife conservation. Your passion for honoring and respecting God's creations is truly admirable. Rest assured, your voice contributes to the ongoing dialogue about how we can create a better future for animals and our planet. Rest in perfect peace, Little Joe.
I agree; zoos hold no scientific purpose. A zoo is organized purely for the purpose of entertainment and it has become a lucrative business. Time to close them all.
Zoos and aquariums! Down with animal prisons! (Loved this piece. Thank you so much).
Thank you, Ed, for presenting us with another deeply moving article; one that resonates with your previous work.
Thank you, Heidi! Its so sad though that I needed to...
You have a good heart for the animals, Ed. We all share in the pain. It’s part of the conversation and the good company that we keep for the animals. Thank you for giving voice to them.
I’ve said it before… the time to close all zoos is now.
Little Joe’s death is tragic, heartbreaking, and I believe, avoidable.
We can provide education to children, as you stated; by showing them documentaries, the internet, even owning a pet at a young age teaches responsibility and creates a love & respect for animals.
Personally, I developed a heart for gorillas by watching Tarzan. As a child, going to the zoo was comparable to going to an amusement park. I was lucky to go home…
Unbeknownst to me, the animals would be stuck in cages for their entire lives.
I understand that some animals cannot be released back into the wild due to injury, deformation, or a lifetime of confinement. Perhaps large animal sanctuaries can provide a teaching aspect while the animals live in the closest thing to their natural habitat. No bars, no glass.
Zoos only objectify animals. In my opinion, there really is not a whole lot of education going on. Not seeing animals in their natural environment makes them seem less real, less emotional, and less dangerous. We don’t see them hunting for food, protecting their young, and the sometimes vicious circle of life.
Children only want to touch them, feed them, and buy a cute plush toy in the gift shop on their way out… forgetting the real life and suffering of the actual animal.
Again, this teaches children to objectify; not to respect God’s soulful creations.
Rest in perfect peace, Little Joe
Thank you, Andrea, for sharing your heartfelt thoughts on Little Joe's passing and the broader issue of zoo ethics. Your perspective resonates deeply with the themes of my article. It's inspiring to hear your commitment to promoting education and respect for animals, and your personal experiences underscore the profound impact that early exposure to educational and even entertainment media can have on shaping our perceptions of wildlife. Your suggestion of large animal sanctuaries as alternatives to traditional zoos is thought-provoking and aligns with the call for more ethical approaches to wildlife conservation. Your passion for honoring and respecting God's creations is truly admirable. Rest assured, your voice contributes to the ongoing dialogue about how we can create a better future for animals and our planet. Rest in perfect peace, Little Joe.
I cannot go into a zoo anymore.. it's like prisons.. it breaks my heart.
One can too often see the mental abguish, resignation or worse in these animals.
It is an insane solution. We need to give these animals their place in this world and it shouldn't involve fences and cages....
Thank you!!!
Thank you, An; well said!
I agree; zoos hold no scientific purpose. A zoo is organized purely for the purpose of entertainment and it has become a lucrative business. Time to close them all.