My view on zoos is borrowed from Jane Goodall (who I'll paraphrase and likely get totally wrong). Zoos are not an ideal way to generate dollars for conservation, but they're realistic and effective. It's a sad case where a group of animals are used to serve a greater good. Ideally those animals could live free in their native environments, but the fact is they provide an incredible benefit to nature. Goodall points out there are several species of animals that absolutely should not be in zoos, most notably whales and elephants that require massive travel distances to remain healthy.
I see them as a necessary evil. We want governments to fund conservation efforts, but they're stretched to their limits and a hippo sanctuary half a world away isn't going to land on the radar when there are pressing needs in Canada. I absolutely understand why people would want zoos to go away, but you run into the awkward question of how to recoup the money they generate.
It's also important to note that the Calgary Zoo isn't just what we see. There are massive areas beyond the city where actual conservation work is being done.
Despite there being sadness seeing the animals enclosed, I will continue to support the zoo financially.
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