Blog Reflections Blog #4

Question #1: What role, if any, should zoo's play in conservation and education?

     I believe that zoo's do exist as a place to preserve and protect some animals, and play a part in educating youth and adults on the issues surrounding wildlife.  However, I also feel that zoo's do not accommodate all of the animals that might live there.  I feel as though keeping animals in captivity is not fair to the true nature of the animal.  Zoo's can act to help a threatened species, but I feel as though this can hinder the animal if it was to be released back into the wild. 

Question #2: Is it ethical to keep animals in zoos?  If so, what size or type of animal or zoo?

     I do not believe that it is ethical to keep animals in zoos.  It is not fair to keep an animal caged, and deprived of its natural lifestyle.  I believe that the natural instincts of animals can be lost when they are kept in captivity.  Instincts, such as hunting skills, and basic protection against predators.  Since animals are not exposed to a natural ecosystem they lose the functions.  I do not think that any animal, big or small, belongs at a zoo. 

Question #3: Do you enjoy visiting zoos?

     I can honestly say that I am not a fan of the zoo.  It might be interesting to see the animals in person, but they are not immersed in their natural habitat so it defeats the purpose of seeing how the animal might behave.  It is sad to see animals in small quarters, yelled at all day, and put on display for large crowds.  I would much rather go out into nature and experience animals in their natural environments, this way I can gain a true sense of the animals and their surroundings.

Other Comments

      I really enjoyed taking this course.  I found the topics that we covered to be interesting and insightful.  I thought that the vocabulary terms given out were a great way to keep us thinking about the class, and the issues associated with the environment.  I learnt a lot about environmental issues that I was not familiar with before.  I also found the waste audit assignment to be very successful for myself.  It was a great way to look at my waste production, and the environmental action allowed me the opportunity to improve my waste habits.  Overall, I got a lot out of this class, and am grateful that I got the chance to take a class centered around current issues that our society faces.