OldManOnFire

Yes...I was born in Los Angeles.

This is exactly how my parents treated me.

Species have been brought back from near extinction by doing this.

I'd sell mine for only $250

This statement will never change my mind about the success stories in many zoos around the world. Your doom and gloom perspective on this topic has merit only in rare cases yet you want me to believe all zoos are evil. Well I don't and I will continue to believe the specialists who deal with this stuff every day and I can only hope they do the best they can do under the circumstances...

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The_Heretic

Something else that should be pointed out about how complicated it is to keep many of these species in captivity. The reason there are so many problems is the same reason why ancient peoples never domesticated them. It wasn't from a lack of trying. If anyone knows a rodeo competition cowboy challenge them to lasso a zebra.

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gorillamom

That reminds me of the time we were having a thunder and lightning storm during the day in the late summer. Some guy decided to strip down naked, jump onto the Savahna and climb the trees where the rope netting to feed the giraffe's are. Well he decided to unravel the rops and try to lasso one of the Zebra's. Security wasn't about to go out there with the lightning with all the metal the have on the. So, the guy ended up getting bit to piecrs by the Zebra. He just happedned to pick the one who was the meanest in the herd! Too funny, and another reason these species should not be kept in captivity. There just isn't the room these animals need to stay healthy and fit. Diet is not proper native diets. Not theirs that is.

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Refuge51

pros and cons
Conservation or Cruelty? The Pros and Cons of Zoos

The_Heretic

The other thing about zebras is- unlike horses which kick striaght backward without looking much less thinking, zebras aim their kicks and, in the wild, tend to get more practice at generating mroe force as well.

__________________
"Enough!!" -so rang Barack Obama's voice off the walls of Mile High Stadium

Refuge51

excerpt:Arguments Against Zoos

Animals that are caught in their wild habitats often become part of zoo exhibits. Even some of the most reputable zoos, such as the San Diego Zoo, import wild-caught animals for their displays. The cruelty involved in capturing and transporting wild animals is well documented.

Zoos send the message that it is acceptable to maintain wild animals in captivity, and this contributes to animal cruelty at roadside zoos and circuses, as well as in the backyard breeding and exotic pet industries. Wild animals are dangerous and do not make suitable pets, as demonstrated by several recent high-profile cases, including the tiger attack on Roy Horn of Sigfried & Roy in Las Vegas.

Most zoos, even those accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, provide substandard facilities and care that do not meet the needs of wild animals. Their focus is on human entertainment, rather than wildlife conservation.

For example, elephants in captivity display chronic health problems associated with confinement, including arthritis, foot diseases, skin ailments, psychological problems, and reproductive difficulties. Captive wild animals do not live as long as those in the wild, and they are confined to areas far too small to meet their needs for exercise and natural behaviors.
The Bottom Line

Those who support animal rights believe that the harm caused by zoos outweighs the benefits that the facilities provide to animals and to society. The positive accomplishments of zoos in captive-breeding and wildlife reintroduction programs could be achieved at other facilities better equipped to care for the animals with minimal human interference.


Conservation or Cruelty? The Pros and Cons of Zoos

The_Heretic

I think there's room for a middle ground here. What could be proposed- instead of general zoological displays, are specialized reserves using the same amount of land as the alrger existing zoos use now. And those specialized exhibits should only handle a few species which are suited well enough to the local weather throughout the year. Interestingly, this would creat the sense of a safari without leaving the country. Naturally some species just won't be able to live in U.S. converted zoos, but it's for the better. And, the business they bring is as theme parks effectively would increase.

Questions?
Comments?
Insults?

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OldManOnFire

This is exactly what the San Diego Wild Animal Park provides...

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Refuge51

And they offer this?:" However, these same programs could be carried out by animal sanctuaries and wildlife centers that do not have public exhibits. In many cases, reducing contact with people actually increases the chances for successful breeding."


Exactly!! factory farms don't allow the natural instincts of the animals there either and zoos are similar in taking that away from the animals there too.
Any time an animal is not allowed to choose his/her own mate or is artificially inseminated, then kept captive, it takes away from the whole reason the animal was 'saved' from extinction in the first place.

OldManOnFire

The reputable zoos maintain isolated areas for just these reasons. Not all animals are on constant view for the public. I still can't change my view of the myriad zoos who do great work day in and day out. Is it a perfect situation--no. But has it been balanced well to provide a benefit for both the animals and the public--I think so. I'll guess the success stories far outweigh any negatives, and I also believe most zoos are constantly trying to do better...

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Did you know both our problems and the solutions can be found simply by looking in our mirrors...and...Never confuse the extraordinary stuff I think and write with that of a well-balanced person...