I must admit to having a somewhat ambivalent attitude to zoos. I certainly prefer to look at organisms (plants and fungi as well as animals) in their natural worlds. Having said that, well run zoos with lots of environmental enrichment do boost enthusiasm (and support?) for animals in a way that TV programmes cannot do; do enable people to experience some impressive beasts without incurring an enormous carbon footprint and sometimes do good work with captive breeding programmes to maintain endangered species (although these are not always very successful). Reports, however, that a Cumbrian zoo had almost 500 mortalities in its 1500 animal stock over a 4 year period are deeply concerning (www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/cumbria-zoo-lose-licence-south-lakes-safari-486-animals-die-four-years-tiget-mauls-keeper-death-2014-97605761.html). This is especially so in an establishment that had a keeper mauled to death by a tiger because of reportedly faulty working practices. I am unsurprised that their licence to operate is being reconsidered.
This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Saturday, 4 March 2017
Zoo Holocaust?
I must admit to having a somewhat ambivalent attitude to zoos. I certainly prefer to look at organisms (plants and fungi as well as animals) in their natural worlds. Having said that, well run zoos with lots of environmental enrichment do boost enthusiasm (and support?) for animals in a way that TV programmes cannot do; do enable people to experience some impressive beasts without incurring an enormous carbon footprint and sometimes do good work with captive breeding programmes to maintain endangered species (although these are not always very successful). Reports, however, that a Cumbrian zoo had almost 500 mortalities in its 1500 animal stock over a 4 year period are deeply concerning (www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/cumbria-zoo-lose-licence-south-lakes-safari-486-animals-die-four-years-tiget-mauls-keeper-death-2014-97605761.html). This is especially so in an establishment that had a keeper mauled to death by a tiger because of reportedly faulty working practices. I am unsurprised that their licence to operate is being reconsidered.
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