Over the past couple of years, I've been extremely fortunate to visit some of the best Zoo's in Asia. Each of these zoos have had so much to offer that I've enjoyed every moment of my visit; I've been awed and excited with each new discovery. However, every time I complete a visit to the zoo it leaves me feeling melancholic.
The zoos do a great job in trying to create an environment which is suitable for these animals, and birds. However, the one thing you can't help ignoring is the sadness displayed in some of the animals' eyes. Some of the saddest moments for me were to see massive birds like the Giant Eagles being caged with hardly any space to spread their wings and enjoy the pleasures of a good flight - the very reason of their existence. I don't even want to try and think what the leopard or Puma feels being caged just a few feet away from its meal(deer). The smell must be a torture for these magnificent beasts.
One might argue that these animals are put in the zoo for educational purposes and also for their protection from poachers and other dangers. However, observe the people who visit the zoos and you'll find them to be the most annoying factor in the whole experience.
Hundreds of people - singles, couples, families, etc. - come to the zoo with a singular mindset of seeing something grand. So, when they don't see the sad looking monkey doing some tricks or the Lion just lazing around, they start to get upset and do all sorts of things to get their money's worth.
During my visit to the Singapore Night Safari I saw a Caucasian father with his 7 or 8 year old daughter in front of me. The man stood next to the fence and tried to make the animal in the cage look towards him by making a "cluk cluck" type of sound. This was again a visitor trying to get his money's worth by making the animal stand in a posture that might give him the perfect shot. The ironic part was when his little girl asked him, very loudly in a tone that was equal parts annoyance and curiosity, "Why do you always do that?" The dad seemed extremely embarrassed at this question and beat a hasty retreat from the area...Needless to say, he had no answer.
The problem is the lack of RESPECT. Most people in their hearts don't respect or care for these animals. What they want is entertainment not education. Even after repeated requests and signs that tell people not to use the flash feature of their cameras, you'll see loads of ignorant people doing the same thing over and over again. Another big problem, is the noise. The amount of noise created by these visitors is not only annoying for the animals and birds but also for other visitors. It compels you to refer to it as "noise pollution." Children grow up imitating what they've seen their parents do for years and things never change for the better.
To enjoy nature, one must first respect it and then be patient enough to observe each of its nuances. If we do this, our visit and experience at the zoo can turn into something more significant and meaningful - an experience that doesn't end when you walk out the gates but one that continues in the form of the changes you make in your life to show your enjoyment and appreciation thorough conservation.
Good One Johny.. :-)
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