FA+
Shop
On Zoos
16 years ago
So most of you don't know that I recently got a job at a zoo. And I'm not even shoveling animal poop or anything, I'm going to be part of the education team for the zoo, doing animal presentations and teaching the visitors about all the animals they see there. I just started training for it last Saturday, and I'm so excited! This job is a jumping off point for being a zookeeper or just getting some connections in the wildlife/zoo scene.
I know zoos can be a controversial topic, so I just wanted to put my beliefs here for the record. While it is true that zoos are caging animals, and the cover reason is that it is for the sake of public entertainment, I believe that is just one aspect of it, and there is far more to it than that.
Aside from the whole "these animals are better off in a zoo than they would be in the wild" argument (which is a debate with no end, I know), at least one positive consequence to having a zoo is that it gets children and people in general interested and excited about nature. It gets them thinking about conservation and hopefully contributing to the conservation of wildlife all over the world. When I was a kid, the Hogle Zoo had a big hand in my interest and curiosity toward animals, and now here I am working there! I want to do a lot of good here, if I can.
And I can guarantee to you, from first hand experience of what I've seen so far, that the people who work at the zoo, especially the zookeepers, and even the administration, really honestly care about animals, wildlife, and the environment. They really want to do their best to provide the best care for their animals, and they want people to be involved in conservation and wildlife preservation.
There are valid arguments to any side, of course, but I believe that the positive aspects of zoos far outweigh the negatives, and I am really excited to work there this summer.
I know zoos can be a controversial topic, so I just wanted to put my beliefs here for the record. While it is true that zoos are caging animals, and the cover reason is that it is for the sake of public entertainment, I believe that is just one aspect of it, and there is far more to it than that.
Aside from the whole "these animals are better off in a zoo than they would be in the wild" argument (which is a debate with no end, I know), at least one positive consequence to having a zoo is that it gets children and people in general interested and excited about nature. It gets them thinking about conservation and hopefully contributing to the conservation of wildlife all over the world. When I was a kid, the Hogle Zoo had a big hand in my interest and curiosity toward animals, and now here I am working there! I want to do a lot of good here, if I can.
And I can guarantee to you, from first hand experience of what I've seen so far, that the people who work at the zoo, especially the zookeepers, and even the administration, really honestly care about animals, wildlife, and the environment. They really want to do their best to provide the best care for their animals, and they want people to be involved in conservation and wildlife preservation.
There are valid arguments to any side, of course, but I believe that the positive aspects of zoos far outweigh the negatives, and I am really excited to work there this summer.
Zoos
But yeah, nowadays when I go to zoos I am always impressed with their care and respect for the animals. I think they have become a very valuable part of conservation efforts.
Thank you for the comment. :)
lol, no seriously, I thought this was going to be a journal on zoophilia. Awesome job orporunity... I hope you have a ton of fun
I was afraid this was going to be another depressing/infuriating journal about animal molesters. I'm so glad this is about real zoos.
I agree zoos are a great way to sensitize the general population about the well-being of animals in general - and that's a lot thanks to people like you, who work directly with the crowd... you say you've been influenced by zoos - now it's your turn, and who knows how many people you could have an effect on, or who?
I'm a big believer in the old truism, "Out of sight, out of mind." Zoological Parks serve an important role in helping keep animals in the natural world in our mind, helping us not completely forget where we came from. Its a big fear of mine that if certain groups go their way, the natural world would be even further out of sight, even further out of mind and humanity becomes even more separated from the natural world. The larger that separation, the more likely we are to squander what of the natural world is left.
Today's zoos are drastically different from what they were even 30 years ago, and I applaud the efforts of the people running the zoos and working at them, to have turned them not only into a place for people to see and learn about animals they would never otherwise encounter in life, but for also taking such great strides in improving the conditions for the animals.
I love going to the various zoos in the area, and perhaps one day I'll make it to the Hogle Zoo there in Salt Lake City. :)
I've applied at my zoo for work experience, but the wait for an interview is 6 months long (which is why i applied now, I wanna work there start of next year). I will be doing educating/information as well as note/record taking (i hope)
c:
lucky you!