Animal Emotions

You probably know more about this than I do, but it concerns the big, new (in 2006 or so) and impressive aquarium paid for by the Home Depot owners (headquarters are in Atlanta). When I visited it in December 2006, they were proud of their "whalesharks." I think they had four. When I asked about them (I'd never heard of the species), they said not a lot was known about them, but they were the first aquarium to have some. Within a year, I read the story about one of them dying. The story (written by somebody who apparently DID know about them) said one of their characteristic behaviors was to dive deep -- 1,000 feet, I think. Nobody knew why, one theory was that it was to get rid of barnacles, etc. I haven't checked since then to see if the other three are still alive. They WERE impressive animals, and big.

But the concern in zoos and aquariums seems to be driven by money. I read that the Seaworld with the orca that killed the woman trainer (and had killed another before her) took him out of the shows for a month or so, but will put him back in because he's such a draw.

I agree with many points, and I hate seeing any animal caged. Sanctuaries are even questioned as to whether they are acting as a "zoo", and good ones are nearly impossible to open due to regulations, cost of land and operating one...

So WHAT IS the answer for non-releasable animals? We don't want zoo's, personal possession is being regulated away, killing of innocent NR animals is unethical... so what do we do with them?

Katherine McGill
Urban Wildlife Examiner
Examiner.com

This is really interesting post, and it's inspired the first of several posts I've wanted to write on this issue (see http://spidermonkeytales.blogspot.com/2010/04/do-zoos-accomplish-their-g...) for the first one). However, I would like to bring up a couple of the other goals of zoos: conservation and research. How well do you think these other goals are being address? And how does "entertainment" as a goal, fit into zoo's missions (while most zoos would claim education, research, and conservation as their mission, I suspect entertainment and recreation are the major reason most people go to zoos). Finally, if zoos are falling short of educating visitors, or maintaining health and welfare of certain taxa, how should these shortcomings be addressed or remedied?

I am wondering why Ms. Marion talks of these animals as being with human qualities. Animal's, exist from about 4 or 5 drives and none that make them human other than 4 or 5 basic drives that may be present in humans and animals. Let's not forget if your turn you back there are some animals who will make you their meal. Chickens will peck eather other to death and continue to eat them. Some keepers of animals such as zoos and circus, for the future may be the only way people see what they look like. We can not continue to buy into the Bambi thoeory where every animal is like a cartoon. Then again I grew up watching "Old Yellow"!

IMO they do. Because zoos and aquariums provide the public with the chance to see a tremendous variety of wild non-native animals, this experience enriches the lives of families. And in a few instances, lights a passion in a child that develops into a lifetime career in zoological sciences. Not only that, most zoos are involved in research and conservation projects IN THE WILD and based on that research, they write articles and provide films and photos of wild creatures in their native habitats. Additionally, zoos breed endangered and rare species, in some cases returning them to the wild from which they have been exterminated. Zoos publish books and articles and pamphlets which do provide information to the public about animals and their environments. Some people complain that zoos are "not natural" enough for the animals and that the animals suffer. This is sometimes true if a zoo hasn't been able to update its facilities. However, most zoos are rather modern and do provide good facilities for the animals. Keep in mind that in the wild, a sick, starving or injured animal simply dies...but in a zoo, these animals have the benefit of expert exotic veterinary medicine and thus many live far longer and healthier lives than they would in the wilds. Furthermore, their native environments are shrinking and for some animals, they are the targets of poachers. For some rare and endangered target animals, zoos may be their last best hope.

They are NOT held accountable for the deaths of the creatures while in thier care. The National Aquarium in Baltimore buys replacement fish every week. They claim conservation. They claim they support tag and release but keep ordering sharks from the wild, while one block away at C.O.M.B (Center of marine Biology) they have to kill thier sharks because the Aquarium won't take them. They have killed Leafy Sea Dragons, and one of the guides said "We have had 3 octopus in the last 8 months". Conservation for profit. Dead Dolphins, and still can buy what ever they want to. They can just go out and get more.

Conservation for profit goes farther and uglier than the last point about Aquariums, museums, and many zoos.

There is a "research/education loophole" that sportsmen have fought for and disgustingly abused for decades. It allows members of trophy killing clubs like SCI (Safari Club International) to kill and import species to the US that are otherwise banned. The stuffed "trophies" are placed in remote, privately funded "public museums" near their hunting camps.

Read more in a book called "Bloodties", by Kerasote.

As for Old Yeller's post... You are probably a card carrying member of such a club, or would be if you could afford to. Your perception of animals is nothing but that - your perception. You have clearly and sadly never worked with living wild animals! (and failed biology 101). Your perception of animals is confused with a certain other animal species - humans. How sad to live in such blind fear, and to use it as justification to belittle other species to feel superior in your life.