Animal loving friend and Animal Kingdom

[Trooper Alex 412]

PETA-People for the Eating of Tasty Animals

 

[BYC]

PETA is basically a terrorist group. They really should be called PEDA (People For The Extinction Of Domestic Animals), as that is their #1 goal. No more dogs, cats, cows, horses, pigs, etc. Support the ASPCA. They actually DO care for animals. PETA kills animals needlessly. Animal Kingdom is a wonderful park, and they take great care of their animals. Tell your friend to stay away. She'll find something to upset her.

 

[SolitaryPhoenix]

I wish the OP would come back and tell us what happened - now that I've read through the whole thing (not realizing, like so many others before me, that the thread started many moons ago!), I'd love to know whether the friend went to AK or not.

I'm an animal lover myself, don't go to circuses that include animals, and am very picky about the zoos I go to, but I also believe it's important for people to see these animals up close, learn about them, learn about their situations. AK seems to do a pretty good job of not only keeping their animals as happy and healthy as possible, but they educate, and that's really important. Just MHO.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

I'm big on animal rights too. I have no problem visiting AK. There was a really great article or something awhile back about how AK treats their animals, it may be on the vegan/vegetarian thread on the restaurant board, I'll see if I can find a link to it. But AK does treat it's animals very well, and you can tell the CMs really care about them. Maybe if the animals in captivity part is what really bothers her, try to get her to go, but stay away from the paths and focus only on the rides and shows that don't feature live animals.

 

[Planogirl]

You can't completely avoid the paths though. Particularly at the front.

I don't think that someone completely opposed to captivity will ever be comfortable at AK. It doesn't matter how large or pretty the enclosures are, these are still captive animals.

I wonder what happened too.

 

[JCH]

I hope I'm not repeating too much of what was already said but...

I have had this conversations with countless people. I worked at a few different zoos before becoming a science teacher, and I feel that many people disregard the actual mission behind AZA accredited zoos and aquariums. For some reason, people think the 15.95 admission fee for a zoo is lining the pockets of some big wig. This may be partially true at Disney, but most zoos run at a deficit.

However, Disney is part of several Species Survival Plans (SSPs), which are really at the core at most zoos. The plan is threefold.

1. Research and observe the species and their behavior in order to better serve the animals in the wild.
2. Create a breeding program that matches the best possible match for each animal species in order to create the most genetic diversity within that species as possible. For some species, this is geared towards eventual repopulation.
3. To allow people to view the animals and foster a caring towards animals, as well as educate the public on ways they can help, such as donating money, recycling, and not buying animal products.

For example, the zoo I was working for after college was part of the SSP for Jaguars and Malayan Tigers (and about 20 others) We were constantly "trading" animals to breed with ones at other zoos. We had animals that came to us from Disney (including a tarantula...I would tell kids he can't be scary, he came from Disney), the San Diego Zoo, etc., and we have sent animals to places like Busch Gardens.

The other thing about AZA zoos is that they will not take an animal out of the wild for display purposes. All of the animals are either captive bred or injured, and therefore it is just inhumane to think of releasing them into their natural habitat.

Of course, there are for profit zoos out there with horrible animal conditions. Look for that AZA sign on any zoo to be sure they are being regulated and meet the high standards.

Hope that helps some....

 

[Phatoomch]

I hope I'm not repeating too much of what was already said but...

I have had this conversations with countless people. I worked at a few different zoos before becoming a science teacher, and I feel that many people disregard the actual mission behind AZA accredited zoos and aquariums. For some reason, people think the 15.95 admission fee for a zoo is lining the pockets of some big wig. This may be partially true at Disney, but most zoos run at a deficit.

However, Disney is part of several Species Survival Plans (SSPs), which are really at the core at most zoos. The plan is threefold.

1. Research and observe the species and their behavior in order to better serve the animals in the wild.
2. Create a breeding program that matches the best possible match for each animal species in order to create the most genetic diversity within that species as possible. For some species, this is geared towards eventual repopulation.
3. To allow people to view the animals and foster a caring towards animals, as well as educate the public on ways they can help, such as donating money, recycling, and not buying animal products.

For example, the zoo I was working for after college was part of the SSP for Jaguars and Malayan Tigers (and about 20 others) We were constantly "trading" animals to breed with ones at other zoos. We had animals that came to us from Disney (including a tarantula...I would tell kids he can't be scary, he came from Disney), the San Diego Zoo, etc., and we have sent animals to places like Busch Gardens.

The other thing about AZA zoos is that they will not take an animal out of the wild for display purposes. All of the animals are either captive bred or injured, and there it is just inhumane to think of releasing them into their natural habitat.

Of course, there are for profit zoos out there with horrible animal conditions. Look for that AZA sign on any zoo to be sure they are being regulated and meet the high standards.

Hope that helps some....

Thank you so much for posting that - I am a huge supporter of AK and zoo's alike because I truly believe they are acting in the best interests of the animal. Our local zoo (Atlanta) has an awesome gorilla program that I contribute to

 

[Planogirl]

I hope I'm not repeating too much of what was already said but...

I have had this conversations with countless people. I worked at a few different zoos before becoming a science teacher, and I feel that many people disregard the actual mission behind AZA accredited zoos and aquariums. For some reason, people think the 15.95 admission fee for a zoo is lining the pockets of some big wig. This may be partially true at Disney, but most zoos run at a deficit.

However, Disney is part of several Species Survival Plans (SSPs), which are really at the core at most zoos. The plan is threefold.

1. Research and observe the species and their behavior in order to better serve the animals in the wild.
2. Create a breeding program that matches the best possible match for each animal species in order to create the most genetic diversity within that species as possible. For some species, this is geared towards eventual repopulation.
3. To allow people to view the animals and foster a caring towards animals, as well as educate the public on ways they can help, such as donating money, recycling, and not buying animal products.

For example, the zoo I was working for after college was part of the SSP for Jaguars and Malayan Tigers (and about 20 others) We were constantly "trading" animals to breed with ones at other zoos. We had animals that came to us from Disney (including a tarantula...I would tell kids he can't be scary, he came from Disney), the San Diego Zoo, etc., and we have sent animals to places like Busch Gardens.

The other thing about AZA zoos is that they will not take an animal out of the wild for display purposes. All of the animals are either captive bred or injured, and therefore it is just inhumane to think of releasing them into their natural habitat.

Of course, there are for profit zoos out there with horrible animal conditions. Look for that AZA sign on any zoo to be sure they are being regulated and meet the high standards.

Hope that helps some....

I appreciate you posting this too. Many people seem to think of zoos as just places to exploit animals while the actual intention of the good zoos is just the opposite. I fully support the AZA missions.

 

[MellyBeans]

Haha...I had no idea this topic got so heated. I usually have to leave the DIS for a while after I come home from a trip and before I'm planning another because I'm in a Disney Withdrawal/depression so I missed all the comments to my original post about my card carrying PETA-Vegan friend.

I ended up showing her a ton of pictures and info about AK. She became somewhat interested, but still too skeptical to interest her in going. Then one of her Vegan, animal-rights friends told her how much she loved AK, and that was enough for my friend to decide it was ok to visit. Epcot was her favorite park, but AK wasn't far behind. So, basically much ado about nothing.

 

[siskaren]

Zombie thread alert!

 

[Wykes98]

My mum's favourite park.

 

[BuzzBelleMom]

Haha...I had no idea this topic got so heated. I usually have to leave the DIS for a while after I come home from a trip and before I'm planning another because I'm in a Disney Withdrawal/depression so I missed all the comments to my original post about my card carrying PETA-Vegan friend.

I ended up showing her a ton of pictures and info about AK. She became somewhat interested, but still too skeptical to interest her in going. Then one of her Vegan, animal-rights friends told her how much she loved AK, and that was enough for my friend to decide it was ok to visit. Epcot was her favorite park, but AK wasn't far behind. So, basically much ado about nothing.

Thanks for the update! Glad your friend enjoyed AK!

 

[jaykorf001]

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.

I hadn't heard this and googled it. Read a couple articles including the one from Forbes that basically defended the Trump boys. I come from a family of hunters and outdoorsmen. But this made my stomach turn.

 

[joshsmom]

SO COOL that the OP came back and updated this thread!! Now maybe it can die a peaceful death . . .

 

[ZoZo]

I hope I'm not repeating too much of what was already said but...

I have had this conversations with countless people. I worked at a few different zoos before becoming a science teacher, and I feel that many people disregard the actual mission behind AZA accredited zoos and aquariums. For some reason, people think the 15.95 admission fee for a zoo is lining the pockets of some big wig. This may be partially true at Disney, but most zoos run at a deficit.

However, Disney is part of several Species Survival Plans (SSPs), which are really at the core at most zoos. The plan is threefold.

1. Research and observe the species and their behavior in order to better serve the animals in the wild.
2. Create a breeding program that matches the best possible match for each animal species in order to create the most genetic diversity within that species as possible. For some species, this is geared towards eventual repopulation.
3. To allow people to view the animals and foster a caring towards animals, as well as educate the public on ways they can help, such as donating money, recycling, and not buying animal products.

For example, the zoo I was working for after college was part of the SSP for Jaguars and Malayan Tigers (and about 20 others) We were constantly "trading" animals to breed with ones at other zoos. We had animals that came to us from Disney (including a tarantula...I would tell kids he can't be scary, he came from Disney), the San Diego Zoo, etc., and we have sent animals to places like Busch Gardens.

The other thing about AZA zoos is that they will not take an animal out of the wild for display purposes. All of the animals are either captive bred or injured, and therefore it is just inhumane to think of releasing them into their natural habitat.

Of course, there are for profit zoos out there with horrible animal conditions. Look for that AZA sign on any zoo to be sure they are being regulated and meet the high standards.

Hope that helps some....

Thanks so much for posting this. I have been a volunteer for fourteen years at an AZA-accredited zoo. In fact, one of the birds I work with (a Eurasian Eagle Owl) is originally from Animal Kingdom! i always tell the kids that Claude "flunked out of flight school.' He was originally being trained yo be one of the birds in the Flights of onder show, then they figured out that he wasn't comfortable with the flight part of the show. He's on permanent loan to our zoo, and has become part of our "close encounter" program because he's so comfortable with people and crowds. He's a glove-trained bird, and so cool to work with.

I think it's so great that the keepers at AK recognized that he wasn't suited for their bird show, but found a spot for him at our zoo instead. I got to meet one of the keepers at the Flights of Wonder show several years back, and take a tour of their behind-the-scenes area. They take wonderful care of their animals.

 

[SaraJR]

ugh there are some really misinformed ignorant comments here, im really disappointed. Anyways I know this is long over but if anyone else in looking into this. I am a vegan animal rights activist whose been looking into this, I have decided one way or the other but here's some info to help people decide.
CONS:
when the park opened the state allegedly asked Disney to take animals rescued from within the state(exotic 'pets' being a big issue)
Disney declined and brought in animals from over seas
There were many animal deaths when the park opened about 20 were due to staff negligence
It was on a list of worst north American zoos for elephants in 2007
Its still captivity

PROs/counter objections:
Management has changed
The now have some of the best vets and care
As far as captivity goes they do have a lot of space
The aren't forced out to be seen or in for the night
They've actually teamed up with Jane Goodall and her foundation.

Ultimately the way I look at it is unfortunately in our society that views some lives as worth more then other and that has destroyed so many species and habitats for many wild species to continue some sort of balance needs to be found, and as unfortunate as it is controlled habitats are part of that. Currently the vast majority of animals in MK are animals that could not survive or be released into the wild. So while AK is a theme park it is closer to a sanctuary than most zoos/animal parks and the habitats are more humane even then those within epcot. Its not a black and white issue there is a lot of grey ultimate she's not wrong in either choice.

 

[bethy]

Some people feel very strongly that places like the AK and Sea World shouldn't exist. There is no talking them out of it.

I'd just leave that be, honestly.

This. And honestly, who are "we" to think that they should be talked out of it? Their opinions and feelings are their own and just as valid as anyone else's.

 

[siskaren]

And another zombie thread alert!

 

[Miskey]

And another zombie thread alert!

I know it's Halloween and all, but there sure have been a lot of zombies. I've noticed a lot of thread the bottom of the page, which I guess are recommended threads, are zombies

 

[Planogirl]

I thought that there was something new here but no. Moving on....