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A Vegan Perspective
As a vegan and animal rights advocate I often hear the drone of chiding comments regarding the very existence of zoological parks. And I understand the rhetoric and in general am in favor of the overall objective. However, my perspective and experience is colored by my long history, during my formative years, with the San Diego Zoo, where I spent many days communing with the animals in the 1950's and 60's developing my love and understanding of animals and the environment. Granted the San Diego Zoo is a hard act to follow. And unfortunately perhaps the majority of worldwide zoo's, including those miserable roadside attractions, have little in common with what a modern, ecologically aware, and animal friendly zoological society has to offer both humans and the other animals who are trapped in their environments.
For the most part I have mixed feelings about zoos in general. However, I learned to develop my love for animals while strolling the walkways of a well managed zoo at an early age which has led to my advocacy for the rights of animals in my later age. With this in mind, I do not blindly follow the chorus to close any and all zoos for the rights of animals. Zoos can provide a valuable environment for both the safety and viability of many animals with the side benefit of education for the humans who have a curiosity about "exotic" animals in general. It does however, require a major commitment from people who understand and respect the rights of animals, and to fulfill their obligation to treat the animals as equals. Where this happens, the zoos have a positive impact for all concerned. But unfortunately such organizations are difficult to come by.
Zoological parks do have a role to play in our society. There are good examples and there are bad examples, and everything in between. Parks that focus on the quality of life of the animals for which they care, which provide valuable educational experiences for people, and are economically viable to operate; these represent the best example of a positive experience in the zoological realm. Harmful environments for animals must be avoided at all costs, and where such environments exist, it is our obligation as compassionate humans to mitigate the harm for the benefit of the animals. Closing down bad zoos is a moral imperative.
If the principals at the Buenos Aires Zoo are serious about protecting the rights of the animals within their park, and will formulate an environment that fosters the enrichment of the animals under their care, then I am in favor of this effort. It sounds like this is the approach being examined. If the better course of action is to free the animals in some manner that will lead to a superior life existence for them, then I would be more in favor of that alternative. The bottom line is, given the current situation, what is the best way to protect the rights and lives of the animals at this facility. That is the question for the people of Argentina.
For the most part I have mixed feelings about zoos in general. However, I learned to develop my love for animals while strolling the walkways of a well managed zoo at an early age which has led to my advocacy for the rights of animals in my later age. With this in mind, I do not blindly follow the chorus to close any and all zoos for the rights of animals. Zoos can provide a valuable environment for both the safety and viability of many animals with the side benefit of education for the humans who have a curiosity about "exotic" animals in general. It does however, require a major commitment from people who understand and respect the rights of animals, and to fulfill their obligation to treat the animals as equals. Where this happens, the zoos have a positive impact for all concerned. But unfortunately such organizations are difficult to come by.
Zoological parks do have a role to play in our society. There are good examples and there are bad examples, and everything in between. Parks that focus on the quality of life of the animals for which they care, which provide valuable educational experiences for people, and are economically viable to operate; these represent the best example of a positive experience in the zoological realm. Harmful environments for animals must be avoided at all costs, and where such environments exist, it is our obligation as compassionate humans to mitigate the harm for the benefit of the animals. Closing down bad zoos is a moral imperative.
If the principals at the Buenos Aires Zoo are serious about protecting the rights of the animals within their park, and will formulate an environment that fosters the enrichment of the animals under their care, then I am in favor of this effort. It sounds like this is the approach being examined. If the better course of action is to free the animals in some manner that will lead to a superior life existence for them, then I would be more in favor of that alternative. The bottom line is, given the current situation, what is the best way to protect the rights and lives of the animals at this facility. That is the question for the people of Argentina.
Posted by dcr100@...
27th Jul