I read all of the suggestions and came away with the sanctuary approach. Zoos can be just entertaining places for people. People don’t know the trauma to animals and all of the nuances, parents just want to teach their children of the wonders of these beautiful creatures. Because I have immersed myself in the animal world, I do have a different perspective on knowing all animals have an inherent need for freedom…..even the feral cats I rescue and fix. We release them on our farm and have shelter and feeding stations but know they still hunt as they were meant to do.
It’s a tough call and it always gets down to funding.
It’s not a perfect world for captive animals and certainly is a great topic to address among those people that know and care and are concerned for our dwindling species.
Thank you for your kind words and thoughtful reflections, Elizabeth. I’m glad the article resonated with you and that you found the sanctuary approach compelling. It’s true that many people are unaware of the trauma animals experience in captivity, and your perspective as someone deeply immersed in the animal world is invaluable.
Your work with feral cats on your farm is a wonderful example of balancing care with respect for their natural behaviors. It’s indeed a tough call, and funding is always a challenge. Together, through awareness and advocacy, we can strive to create better conditions for all animals.
This saddens me. To die in captivity. It has also been hot and humid here the whole week, with a heat index of 40°C or 104°F. I live in Toronto; I have never been to the Toronto Zoo or the acquarium. Need I say more.
This makes me very sad and gives me a feeling of helplessness...
I have to remind myself that if each person makes the right choices, then together we can make huge changes in this world and protect all of God’s magnificent creatures.
Thank you, Andrea, for sharing your feelings. It’s natural to feel sadness and helplessness in the face of such news, but your reminder is a powerful one. Every positive choice we make, no matter how small, contributes to a larger wave of change. Together, we can make a significant impact and protect all of God’s magnificent creatures.
Your words are a source of inspiration and hope. Let’s continue to strive for a better world for all living beings.
I agree with almost everything you say here, but I think there is value in people observing animals, even at zoos. I feel sure that it has increased my love of wildlife and the wild, so I wonder if there's a way to achieve that while protecting the wild from us.
Jack, thank you for your thoughtful feedback. I appreciate your perspective. It's a complex issue, and finding a balance between education and conservation is becoming imperative.
I believe that with innovative approaches, such as virtual experiences, ethical sanctuaries, and enhanced in-situ conservation efforts, we can continue to inspire a love for wildlife while ensuring their protection and well-being.
I think your work helps, and I have an enduring love of documentaries and even whatever you would call “Walking with the Dinosaurs” and that series. I noticed your mention of virtual experiences, but have you experienced petting zoos? Those are enclaves of primarily farm animals where you can be among them and touch the animals. They don’t seem to mind, and it’s great to watch the interaction. Obviously not great for wild animals, though.
Yes, I have seen well managed Petting Zoos where the animals' welfare is a priority; and I've seen Petting Zoos where animals are simply exploited and their welfare is not a consideration. Sadly, children can walk away from such an experience with either a reverence or an irreverence for other species.
My Fiction ‘career commenced with a cinematic tale of ‘wild creatures in captivity Ed & 50 years later ‘the beat goes on.. I mention this ‘stuff as mere ‘plebe - layman level, uneducated - far beyond fascinated - the ‘creatures are my pals & fellow passengers aboard ‘spaceship earth and Far Worse - ‘the beautiful creatures - are going away !’ - (Bruce Cockburn - A Canadian Exemplar if there ever was one ! Words that ‘haunt me - in song..)
Having essentially ‘jack round here in terms of ‘visibility or ‘traction or ‘algorithmic street rep is hardly a concern personally - yet pisses me beyond belief that I can post - either to my Eclectic HyperGallery or via Notes - Internationally Awarded ‘Short Documentary such as ‘Midway - Message From The Gyre’ or ‘restack your exemplary work.. (vulture ‘Die Off in India !) & same appalling ‘sound of one hand clapping’ from myself - & a like or two at times or hallelujah a surprise restack & even better an engaging comment !
Am a mere ‘spy - ‘manning the outposts of culture and technology - a ‘generalist & artist / business person ‘surfing the vacuum - just behind the leading edge - Marshall McLuhan predicted us.. & 50 years ago he & Tom Wolfe reflected on this.. our Society & Culture ! But conversing In the 70’s in lawn chairs.. in California they ‘painted all of us - with typical light & wry humour.. - Did they hold back re the most churlish or beyond ignorance levels ? & anon to irreversible cascade levels some might - legislate pontificate obfuscate or retreat into utter Denial even Deceit on behalf of ? What ‘Vested Interest’ could ‘command such Blind ‘Loyalty .. ? ? QUI BONO ?🦎🏴☠️🇨🇦🎬
Thank you, Thomas, for sharing your profound thoughts and reflections. Your passion for wildlife and the arts is inspiring. It's clear you have a deep connection with the creatures we share this planet with, and your words resonate with the urgency of protecting them.
I appreciate your mention of Bruce Cockburn and the haunting beauty of his lyrics—it's a powerful reminder of what we stand to lose. Your dedication to raising awareness through your work is commendable.
Let's continue to use our voices and platforms, however small they may seem, to advocate for the preservation of our fellow passengers on spaceship Earth. Every effort counts, and together, we can make a difference.
My first ‘living memory Ed.. as feral toddler abandoned with big sis Ellen - & later rescued from an island in Toronto Harbour - ‘Queenie was a ‘dray horse in harness wuffling me with feathery muzzle & nuzzles.. and pulled ‘Joe the Fruit & Vegetable Man’s cart - was held up for ‘inspection & awakened to my very 1st ‘coherent thought & visual memory - giant eyes.. giant creature .. 72 years on - she ain’t forgotten - my very first ‘friend 🦎🏴☠️
Thank you for sharing such a touching and vivid memory. It's incredible how our earliest encounters with animals can leave a lasting impression and shape our connection to the natural world. Queenie sounds like a wonderful first friend, and your story beautifully illustrates the profound bond we can form with animals.
Your experience is a poignant reminder of why it's so important to protect and cherish these magnificent creatures. Thank you for your heartfelt message and for being a voice for our animal friends.
Great article, Ed. Blessings to the red pandas.
I read all of the suggestions and came away with the sanctuary approach. Zoos can be just entertaining places for people. People don’t know the trauma to animals and all of the nuances, parents just want to teach their children of the wonders of these beautiful creatures. Because I have immersed myself in the animal world, I do have a different perspective on knowing all animals have an inherent need for freedom…..even the feral cats I rescue and fix. We release them on our farm and have shelter and feeding stations but know they still hunt as they were meant to do.
It’s a tough call and it always gets down to funding.
It’s not a perfect world for captive animals and certainly is a great topic to address among those people that know and care and are concerned for our dwindling species.
Thank you for your kind words and thoughtful reflections, Elizabeth. I’m glad the article resonated with you and that you found the sanctuary approach compelling. It’s true that many people are unaware of the trauma animals experience in captivity, and your perspective as someone deeply immersed in the animal world is invaluable.
Your work with feral cats on your farm is a wonderful example of balancing care with respect for their natural behaviors. It’s indeed a tough call, and funding is always a challenge. Together, through awareness and advocacy, we can strive to create better conditions for all animals.
This saddens me. To die in captivity. It has also been hot and humid here the whole week, with a heat index of 40°C or 104°F. I live in Toronto; I have never been to the Toronto Zoo or the acquarium. Need I say more.
Two deaths in five days. Very sad indeed!
This makes me very sad and gives me a feeling of helplessness...
I have to remind myself that if each person makes the right choices, then together we can make huge changes in this world and protect all of God’s magnificent creatures.
Thank you, Andrea, for sharing your feelings. It’s natural to feel sadness and helplessness in the face of such news, but your reminder is a powerful one. Every positive choice we make, no matter how small, contributes to a larger wave of change. Together, we can make a significant impact and protect all of God’s magnificent creatures.
Your words are a source of inspiration and hope. Let’s continue to strive for a better world for all living beings.
So sad to hear about this second tragedy. I certainly support your action to move more toward sanctuaries.
I agree with almost everything you say here, but I think there is value in people observing animals, even at zoos. I feel sure that it has increased my love of wildlife and the wild, so I wonder if there's a way to achieve that while protecting the wild from us.
Jack, thank you for your thoughtful feedback. I appreciate your perspective. It's a complex issue, and finding a balance between education and conservation is becoming imperative.
I believe that with innovative approaches, such as virtual experiences, ethical sanctuaries, and enhanced in-situ conservation efforts, we can continue to inspire a love for wildlife while ensuring their protection and well-being.
I think your work helps, and I have an enduring love of documentaries and even whatever you would call “Walking with the Dinosaurs” and that series. I noticed your mention of virtual experiences, but have you experienced petting zoos? Those are enclaves of primarily farm animals where you can be among them and touch the animals. They don’t seem to mind, and it’s great to watch the interaction. Obviously not great for wild animals, though.
Yes, I have seen well managed Petting Zoos where the animals' welfare is a priority; and I've seen Petting Zoos where animals are simply exploited and their welfare is not a consideration. Sadly, children can walk away from such an experience with either a reverence or an irreverence for other species.
My Fiction ‘career commenced with a cinematic tale of ‘wild creatures in captivity Ed & 50 years later ‘the beat goes on.. I mention this ‘stuff as mere ‘plebe - layman level, uneducated - far beyond fascinated - the ‘creatures are my pals & fellow passengers aboard ‘spaceship earth and Far Worse - ‘the beautiful creatures - are going away !’ - (Bruce Cockburn - A Canadian Exemplar if there ever was one ! Words that ‘haunt me - in song..)
Having essentially ‘jack round here in terms of ‘visibility or ‘traction or ‘algorithmic street rep is hardly a concern personally - yet pisses me beyond belief that I can post - either to my Eclectic HyperGallery or via Notes - Internationally Awarded ‘Short Documentary such as ‘Midway - Message From The Gyre’ or ‘restack your exemplary work.. (vulture ‘Die Off in India !) & same appalling ‘sound of one hand clapping’ from myself - & a like or two at times or hallelujah a surprise restack & even better an engaging comment !
Am a mere ‘spy - ‘manning the outposts of culture and technology - a ‘generalist & artist / business person ‘surfing the vacuum - just behind the leading edge - Marshall McLuhan predicted us.. & 50 years ago he & Tom Wolfe reflected on this.. our Society & Culture ! But conversing In the 70’s in lawn chairs.. in California they ‘painted all of us - with typical light & wry humour.. - Did they hold back re the most churlish or beyond ignorance levels ? & anon to irreversible cascade levels some might - legislate pontificate obfuscate or retreat into utter Denial even Deceit on behalf of ? What ‘Vested Interest’ could ‘command such Blind ‘Loyalty .. ? ? QUI BONO ?🦎🏴☠️🇨🇦🎬
Thank you, Thomas, for sharing your profound thoughts and reflections. Your passion for wildlife and the arts is inspiring. It's clear you have a deep connection with the creatures we share this planet with, and your words resonate with the urgency of protecting them.
I appreciate your mention of Bruce Cockburn and the haunting beauty of his lyrics—it's a powerful reminder of what we stand to lose. Your dedication to raising awareness through your work is commendable.
Let's continue to use our voices and platforms, however small they may seem, to advocate for the preservation of our fellow passengers on spaceship Earth. Every effort counts, and together, we can make a difference.
My first ‘living memory Ed.. as feral toddler abandoned with big sis Ellen - & later rescued from an island in Toronto Harbour - ‘Queenie was a ‘dray horse in harness wuffling me with feathery muzzle & nuzzles.. and pulled ‘Joe the Fruit & Vegetable Man’s cart - was held up for ‘inspection & awakened to my very 1st ‘coherent thought & visual memory - giant eyes.. giant creature .. 72 years on - she ain’t forgotten - my very first ‘friend 🦎🏴☠️
Thank you for sharing such a touching and vivid memory. It's incredible how our earliest encounters with animals can leave a lasting impression and shape our connection to the natural world. Queenie sounds like a wonderful first friend, and your story beautifully illustrates the profound bond we can form with animals.
Your experience is a poignant reminder of why it's so important to protect and cherish these magnificent creatures. Thank you for your heartfelt message and for being a voice for our animal friends.
Poor creatures who are not free to roam ,the stress would make them ill too🕊️.
You are correct, Gizmos, stress undoubtedly has a profound impact on captive animals.