Will Zoos become the next Sea World? and what about animal kingdom?

[figmentofmyimagination]

With all the news about Harambe the gorilla that was killed it seems like their is definitely momentum against animals being in captivity.

I had the pleasure of going on both the dinner tour and night tour at animal kingdom and saw how much the keepers loved the animals , named them and how each had animal had there own custom diet. It seemed like a very special place

Was wondering if all this negative zoo publicity may ultimately impact a place like animal kingdom

 

[BellsFam]

Well unless animatronics are outlawed, I don't think we have much to worry about at Animal Kingdom...

 

[wilkeliza]

Negative Zoo publicity has been around for a while. It isn't something new that just came out with Harambe.

I think what a lot of these band wagon bashers don't realize is that if these animals are released back into their natural habitat they will probably be killed or poached. Many zoo animals are also bred into the zoo system and zoos do try to help repopulate the natural herds. It still stands though that there are some that would be extinct already if not for zoos.

 

[Tonyz]

Well, we all know Animal Kingdom is Nahtazu, so...

But PETA better keep their holier-than-thou hands off Animal Kingdom. I'm not too worried though, I imagine Disney's ready for anything they might try to throw at them. Plus, they take great care of the animals, so they can't push out a documentary like Blackfish. I think we're good.

 

[pjweaver]

If there is one thing Animal Kingdom taught me, it is to use paper straws.Even @*NikkiBell* would agree that paper straws make soda taste better, and better is better than good.

Animal Kingdom also does a fantastic job of policing visitors on their use of chewing gum. You mus keep your mouth closed to avoid it falling into the hands or paws of primates, thus they won't sell gum.

There is the issue of the aardvark, who does not want to be awake during park hours. @DisneyKevin was chastised for wanting to poke him with a stick. At $100 a pop I think you should be able to poke these varmints with sticks.

 

[LittleDreamer]

Criticism of zoos has been around a long time, it is just that this current tragedy has brought it to the fore front again. Originally zoo's were a place where people encountered animals they never seen or dreamed existed. They served an educational purpose but the animals lived in rather appalling conditions. Often confined to a concrete cell. As time has gone on the caregivers have fought for better living conditions and slowly zoos have transitioned to more natural and friendly environments. Animal Kingdom is probably still considered the top in implementations of this methodology. Most of the enclosures are extremely large comparatively and they are more "natural" to what the animals built to deal with. I don't think the backlash will effect Disney but other zoos could feel more of a pinch. The space and money it takes to provide the best living environments is not something zoos have, sadly.

While TV and other media have taken away the old wow factor that the zoo's had I still see much benefit to zoos, and as a past Cincinnati resident this story hurt me because I have spent a lot of time there. Yes, it would be ideal for all animals to live in their natural habitats, but I think zoo's (in which the animal is properly cared for) are the best choice in a bad world. Until humans as a species change their habits to minimize wildlife impact zoos are a way to think ahead. Especially in species with limited numbers; carefully documented breeding programs help ensure genetic diversity which keeps that species strong. In the future I also hope there will be more and more tales of successful reintroduction of species into their natural environments.

 

[T_O]

I wonder why so many people today are drawn to animal rights activism? Is it personal experiences with pets, PBS-esque nature documentaries, zoos?
Or maybe the numbers of people that are really passionate about animal rights are exaggerated by hysterical media...
I was part of that crowd during my college years, but have since gained some different priorties. Still agree with some of the issues they support, though.

 

[CampbellzSoup]

People will get in an uproar and it will die down quickly like it already is...

Does anyone not remember the dentist who hinted that poor lion who was there for years?

I would rather animals be safe and treated greatly than have them hunted for sport, killed for clothing, or stuff as a statue.

People need to put things into prospective - we as humans also can learn a lot from going to the zoo and being able to first hand see an animal we normally never could.

The whole enclosures aren't good debate can even go as far as your own cat or dog...

As long as the animals are treated with love, respect and kindness I don't think zoos are bad at all.

 

[rmm7e]

DAK had a very rough start when it opened in 1998, with multiple animal deaths.
http://articles.orlandosentinel.com..._1_disney-animal-disney-animal-animal-kingdom

They are at risk of being targeted by animal activists just as much as any other facility that keeps animals. However, all AR activists are not alike; there is a spectrum. They all draw the line at a different place. Some want no animals in captivity at all. Others acknowledge the conservation efforts of zoos but feel that no animals should be on display (which limits their fundraising ability and financial solvency). Others feel that animals on display act as ambassadors for their species.

As long as animals are humanely treated I think DAK will be OK. This is the issue Sea World faces. Is it humane to keep Orcas in captivity? Many say no. How many of those boycotting SW now will return if they just phase out the whales? I'm guessing a lot.

I do wonder if Disney will face some problems with their new nighttime activities. It was my understanding that they did not have them in the past "for the sake of the animals". Recent decisions across the board at the company seem to point to the almighty dollar being king now. This has been at the expense of the hardcore fans. Now it may affect the animals as well. We'll see!

 

[OKW Lover]

I've often wondered what set aquatic parks and related activism from land animal parks and apparent lack of activism. Yes, I'm sure there are activist groups (PETA comes to mind) for land animal parks but they don't seem to get quite the notice from the press or the general public.

 

[catycatcat4]

Unfortunately crap happens and animals die in zoo's. The one I work at had a baby zebra ram into a fence break his neck and die and so did another hooved animal shortly after.. You don't see that all over the news. The situation around this animal death is the only reason anyone is paying attention. Zoo's have also improved a ton compared to back when they where just concrete and cages. A lot of people don't realize that zoo's are much better than they where decades ago.

 

[disneysteve]

Zoo's have also improved a ton compared to back when they where just concrete and cages. A lot of people don't realize that zoo's are much better than they where decades ago.

Very true, and places like Animal Kingdom have actually driven a lot of those changes.

I know that the Philadelphia zoo no longer has elephants, for example, because research had shown that the conditions in which they were held there were not good for them and they didn't have the space or resources to create a better enclosure.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

Unfortunately crap happens and animals die in zoo's. The one I work at had a baby zebra ram into a fence break his neck and die and so did another hooved animal shortly after.. You don't see that all over the news. The situation around this animal death is the only reason anyone is paying attention. Zoo's have also improved a ton compared to back when they where just concrete and cages. A lot of people don't realize that zoo's are much better than they where decades ago.

I would add to that , the animals are better kept, eat better and are healthier. Don't forget many types of animals have greatly increased populations due to Zoo breeding programs and have been returned to the wild when possible.

As sad as the death of the gorilla is, this is a very rare occurance and animals died in the wild much more often.

AKK