On Tuesday, I went to the Indianapolis Zoo with my daughters Kindergarten class. What started out as a wet and soggy day, turned into a beautiful, sunny day full of children's laughter. We got to see elephants, giraffes, rhinos, monkeys and apes, sea horses, sharks and dolphins, and many more animals. By far, the favorite for the children was petting the sharks and watching the dolphin show. My favorite was the butterfly exhibit. The exotic flowers, the Zen like music and of course all the beautiful butterflies fluttering about was breathtaking.
While the day was exciting and fun, there were times when I felt sad. Sad for the animals having to live in cages. Don't get me wrong, I love being able to see animals that I would never be able to see if it wasn't for the zoo. I just feel sorry for those who don't get to roam or fly free. Take the large bird exhibit for example. The most they get to fly is from tree to tree or to the ground. If I had wings, I would certainly want to soar through the sky's. Of course I did enjoy the fact that I got to see a raven up close. They are my favorite bird. The tigers and lions aren't able to go on their mighty hunts. The monkeys can't swing from tree to tree throughout the whole forest. Most of all, the dolphins can't swim the majestic sea. At least at Sea World and other places in California and Florida, the dolphins are able to enjoy the outdoors. I know some places use dolphins for therapy with children. That is a good thing, because I feel both child and dolphin enjoy it. At the zoo, they are just there for our entertainment.
The trip to zoo brought me both happiness and sadness. For the most part, it was happiness. Seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter of all those little Kindergartner's was well worth the trip. I will definitely be going back with my family.
Do you like going to the zoo? Have you ever felt sad while observing the animals? What is your favorite exhibit at the zoo?
SIS BJ aka Aleena Ravenwood
While the day was exciting and fun, there were times when I felt sad. Sad for the animals having to live in cages. Don't get me wrong, I love being able to see animals that I would never be able to see if it wasn't for the zoo. I just feel sorry for those who don't get to roam or fly free. Take the large bird exhibit for example. The most they get to fly is from tree to tree or to the ground. If I had wings, I would certainly want to soar through the sky's. Of course I did enjoy the fact that I got to see a raven up close. They are my favorite bird. The tigers and lions aren't able to go on their mighty hunts. The monkeys can't swing from tree to tree throughout the whole forest. Most of all, the dolphins can't swim the majestic sea. At least at Sea World and other places in California and Florida, the dolphins are able to enjoy the outdoors. I know some places use dolphins for therapy with children. That is a good thing, because I feel both child and dolphin enjoy it. At the zoo, they are just there for our entertainment.
The trip to zoo brought me both happiness and sadness. For the most part, it was happiness. Seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter of all those little Kindergartner's was well worth the trip. I will definitely be going back with my family.
Do you like going to the zoo? Have you ever felt sad while observing the animals? What is your favorite exhibit at the zoo?
SIS BJ aka Aleena Ravenwood
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9 comments:
I haven't been to the zoo in ages but I always loved going. It is kind of sad seeing them in cages but so many animals are dying out in the wild, so it's kind of a fifty/fifty situation.
Hi Tori
I agree, many animals could become extinct without the help of zoo's.
I agree, BJ and Tori. It sucks for the animals because they're natural place is in the wild and at least for the more intelligent species it leads to all kinds of psychological issues.
However, if more young people could see these animals up close there's a good chance that at least some of them will be moved enough to want to make a difference in the world and who knows, it could lead to the next Jacque Cousteau or Jeff Corwin.
And if we keep going the way we have been, eventually zoos will be the only place to see some animals because they'll have become extinct in the wild.
I guess while at the zoo I've never thought about it being sad. I've always been too focused on how happy the animals make the kids... and how dang hot it is. I swear everytime I've been to one it is crazy hot out! I look forward to the dolphin show because its a chance to cool down!!
You all make great points though. It is sad but also a good thing at the same time. Its a great way for our kids to learn. They soak up so much more knowledge seeing them in person as opposed to reading about them.
Hi Krys
We could always use more people like Jacque Cousteau and Jeff Corwin in the world.
Hi Brandy
Like you, I usually go when it is way too hot out. I would rather it be cool like it was most of Tuesday. And yes, kids do soak up a lot of knowledge while at the zoo. It is fun to see them have such a great time learning.
Hi BJ!
I know exactly what you mean. Although I'm always excited to see wild animals, part of me feels sad that they aren't running free. I tend to feel better about it when the zoo at least tries to mimic their natural habitat.
Mary Stella works at the Dolphin Research Center in the Keys and I know that they treat the dolphins and all of the animals there with great love and respect. And yes, the dolphins help with therapy. Which probably makes them feel pretty good! So... it's not always a bad thing. :)
SIS Beth
Beth,
Good point. Most of the places I've been to that have wild animals do try to copy the animals native habitat as closely as possible. The only drawback is that you cant really control the climate and the animals are stuck with whatever climate happens to prevail where the animals are being kept. In most cases that's a minor thing, however.
BJ,
I agree completely. I've seen some young people that give me hope that the future will be okay as long as they're a big part of it.
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