Animal loving friend and Animal Kingdom

[lilipad]

I think you can try your darndest to present your friend with information, but in the end, this may not sway her as she may already have her mind made up. Also if she wants to go great, but depending on where she's coming from, she may end up leaving. Ultimately, it's her call as an adult. You can only be there as a friend. Keep your expectations low (as in she won't go), so if she does turn a corner you'll be there with her.

 

[Phatoomch]

PETAs stance is that it's inhumane to forever house unwanted pets, which is why they prefer euthanasia over a life in captivity.

More on topic, my vegan, anti-fur wife is an active member of the Jane Goodall Institute’s Jane's Peak Society and actually got the chance to talk to Jane at AK when it first opened, as Dr. Goodall took part in putting together the primate exhibits at AK together. While most animal lovers, my wife included, generally feel that living a life "on display" may not best the best situation for these animals, there is also the consideration to be made that in allowing the public to experience and appreciate these beautiful creatures up close and personal, a demand is built for keeping those animals who are still in the wild, and perhaps threatened, safe and unharmed. Couple that with the fact that the attractions throughout the park pour on the concept of conservation with a heavy hand (and rightly so) and you come up up with AK as our family's favorite destination within WDW.

In the end, it's all about where your friend's convictions lay, and what they feel is right and wrong. If she's of the more militant variety of animal lovers, who refuse to see the good found in something she might perceive is less than desirable, then I'd tend to agree with those here who suggest that it might be in your best interests not to try to talk your friend into doing what she isn't comfortable, even if it's for the sake of just enjoying your vacation together.

Great post Totally agree. Places like AK bring AWARENESS and helps GROW the support for endangered and animals in general. Choice:for some animals itss live on display or be at risk? Donald Trumps son was recently photographed holding proudly the severed tail of an elephant - bet that elephant wishes it had been on display in AK.

 

[siskaren]

This thread is from over a year ago, so I think the OP's friend has already made her trip.

 

[Bullseye]

We are total animal rights people. I can honestly say that my husband really does break for butterflies. We have stopped not once, not twice but three times to help a turtle across the road (and one of those times was a Disney World).

You do know if you touch a turtle it's mother will abandon it, don't you?

 

[kaligal]

PETAs stance is that it's inhumane to forever house unwanted pets, which is why they prefer euthanasia over a life in captivity.

PETA exists solely to collect money from misguided animal lovers. They are not out to help animals like the ASPCA.

They'll take any lunatic stand on anything to get attention and money from the misguided.

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

PETA exists solely to collect money from misguided animal lovers. They are not out to help animals like the ASPCA.

They'll take any lunatic stand on anything to get attention and money from the misguided.

Their highly effective marketing machine is known worldwide. Thing is, I'm neither their spokesperson nor a member, so I personally don't give a flip what they do or don't stand for. Not unlike religion, debating PETAs ethics, or whether or not they do what they say they do, is a dark tunnel I have no interest in going down. When a pp scoffed at their euthanization of animals as being somehow hypocritcal, I simply stated what their recorded stance on the matter is, nothing more, nothing less. It's not like anyone's blowing the cover on their actions in that arena. They admit to it fully.

 

[kaligal]

Their highly effective marketing machine is known worldwide. Thing is, I'm neither their spokesperson nor a member, so I personally don't give a flip what they do or don't stand for. Not unlike religion, debating PETAs ethics, or whether or not they do what they say they do, is a dark tunnel I have no interest in going down. When a pp scoffed at their euthanization of animals as being somehow hypocritcal, I simply stated what their recorded stance on the matter is, nothing more, nothing less. It's not like anyone's blowing the cover on their actions in that arena. They admit to it fully.

I didn't mean to pick a fight with you and am sorry it came across that way. Mea culpa.

The ASPCA does really wonderful work with and for animals. They are frequently thwarted in their attempts at fundraising by people who think they are like PETA, which is unfortunate for the ASPCA and the animals. Many people who would like to help animals do not donate to the ASPCA because of PETA.

My beef is with PETA and not with you.

The apology is sincere. I hope you believe that.

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

I didn't mean to pick a fight with you and am sorry it came across that way. Mea culpa.

The ASPCA does really wonderful work with and for animals.

No worries.

Unfortunately, I've seen too many discussions about PETA where people on both sides of the issue come out with mouths in full froth. I just wanted to make sure that everyone understood where I stood on the issue, which is, nowhere.

More on topic, now that it's been pointed out that this thread is over a year old and no longer relevant to the op, I wonder why it was bumped by a brand new member?

 

[kaligal]

No worries.

Unfortunately, I've seen too many discussions about PETA where people on both sides of the issue come out with mouths in full froth. I just wanted to make sure that everyone understood where I stood on the issue, which is, nowhere.

Now that it's been pointed out that this thread is over a year old and no longer relevant to the op, I wonder why it was bumped by a brand new member?

LOL, that will teach me to check post dates.

...well, it won't...but it should.

Foiled again.

 

[bytheblood]

Ugh! Not that my thoughts are going to change your friend's mind, but I don't really understand the mindset behind this with PETA people. Tell your friend to watch the national geographic channel more often and she will see how many animals are picked off as babies and eaten. They never have a chance to live in the wild, because they become a meal.

I have 2 Pommies who are both rescues, I refuse to go to Sea World ever again because I believe sea life should never be kept in captivity (mostly due to their sizes and what I KNOW that does happen to train them) and it is honestly boring for me, but what happens to tigers, lions, giraffes, etc in the wild is far worse than what happens to/for the animals on the savanna. This is not the Barnum and Bailey circus where elephants are whipped to perform tricks and white tigers are shocked to be taught to be obedient. These are not performing animals.

I enjoy chicken, fish and a good filet mignon, but I am 100% against animal abuse. God put animals here for our enjoyment and others for our nutrition. Preserving animals, saving trees or recycling is not going to save this planet from destruction. Hopefully your friend will be open-minded and go to Animal Kingdom with you so she can see how wonderful these animals are in a habitat that is set-up like "home" and still in an environment that keeps them safe.

 

[FigNewton]

I totally understand your friend. My concern is where these animals come from. Did they capture them or take them away from their habitats and families? No animal should be kept in captivity. Always put yourself in the victims shoes. If somebody took you away from all that you knew....would it be alright if they put you in a nice place? People always passify the animals needs...these animals should not be there. Even if you got your friend to go in there....she would probably become really sad. It is all about awareness...putting yourself in the victims shoes. These animals are living in captivity and are definitely victims....so sad....sigh

First post and bump a discussion thats been over for a year? *chuckle*

 

[bytheblood]

LOL, that will teach me to check post dates.

...well, it won't...but it should.

Foiled again.

Ha, me too.

 

[WDSearcher]

I know...it's a touchy subject. I get where she is coming from, but I really don't think Animal Kingdom is anything to get upset about. I think they do a lot of good for the animal's housed there, and they really try to be eco-friendly, etc. I also feel that she is missing out on 1/4th of the Disney experience by skipping this park. I really do not know how to pitch it to her though without her thinking it's some creepy zoo...which I'm pretty sure is her impression of it right now.

She's a great person though, and her intentions are well. She is just a HUGE Animal rights lover/person.

I think it's important to note that your friend will not be missing out on 1/4th of the Disney experience -- she'll be missing out on 1/4th of your Disney experience.

Lots of people come to Disney and skip entire parks, pavilions, resorts and other areas. But they still have fantastic Disney experiences.

Only she can determine her own Disney experience. You've discovered Disney in your own way -- she needs to discover it in hers.

 

[kathie859]

Ha, me too.

And me....

 

[Missytara]

I think it's important to note that your friend will not be missing out on 1/4th of the Disney experience -- she'll be missing out on 1/4th of your Disney experience.

Lots of people come to Disney and skip entire parks, pavilions, resorts and other areas. But they still have fantastic Disney experiences.

Only she can determine her own Disney experience. You've discovered Disney in your own way -- she needs to discover it in hers.

Your post was very profound. I have been to Disney several times, both solo and with groups. Every one has a different experience. It is our job as ambassadors to the Disney experience, but you also have to let every have their own experience.

 

[Sammie]

I think it's important to note that your friend will not be missing out on 1/4th of the Disney experience -- she'll be missing out on 1/4th of your Disney experience.

Lots of people come to Disney and skip entire parks, pavilions, resorts and other areas. But they still have fantastic Disney experiences.

Only she can determine her own Disney experience. You've discovered Disney in your own way -- she needs to discover it in hers.

 

[FlightlessDuck]

Zombie thread!

Braaaaaiiiiiinnnnnssss!!!

 

[xipotec]

THERE ARE ANIMALS IN CAPTIVITY AT ANIMAL KINGDOM???????

OMG!

 

[*Fantasia*]

Why are people bumping threads from a year ago? This is not the first I've seen. I've seen a few on the Resort board.

 

[Olivejuicy]

I bet people are searching the forum for related threads and don't look at the date. There have been times I have done thatnd almost answered a thread that is dead because itbcomes up near the top of the search.