https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 15 Apr 2026 11:29:19 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/your-view-on-zoos/page/2#post-2125060 Sat, 28 Mar 2015 09:52:16 +0000 Mrs.KMM 2125060@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MenagerieMama: "I feel that zoos do a lot of important work for species conservation, research, and getting the public excited about wild animals and their habitats"</p> <p>I totally agree with this! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/your-view-on-zoos/page/2#post-2123654 Fri, 27 Mar 2015 01:07:58 +0000 StbHisMrs 2123654@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I really like our zoo in Portland, but it's so crowded with people! </p> <p>We're taking the kids to wildlife Safari this summer and I think we'll enjoy that more. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/your-view-on-zoos/page/2#post-2123630 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 23:37:54 +0000 BoogieBea 2123630@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have the same thoughts about animal confinement as you. I never really enjoyed zoos until I started going with the kids. I do acknowledge the animal preservation aspects of zoos though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/your-view-on-zoos/page/2#post-2123623 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 23:25:05 +0000 rrachael 2123623@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We frequent the San Diego zoo and its sister park, the safari park. I absolutely love them. They are very into conservation and rehabilitation... And the exhibits are very animal friendly as opposed to cages and crates. I think it's a great educational experience for kids, too. If I lived in a different climate or if the zoo were clearly made for entertainment purposes, I would probably feel differently. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/your-view-on-zoos/page/2#post-2123617 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 23:13:57 +0000 sarac 2123617@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@youboots: I'm surprised to hear anyone describe the Portland zoo as nice, I find it utterly depressing. They're doing a ton of work to it, and I think that in 5 years it'll be a pretty nice space. But ugh, did you see the elephant enclosure before they started expanding it this year? Just, depressing. And the polar bears? </p> <p>I think that zoos do a lot of great conservation work, which is great, but I do find them to be quite depressing overall. I really disagree with the notion that we all have the right to see these animals up close that are so far out of their natural habitats. I would generally support a movement to limit zoos to only animals that are native to the area. </p> <p>My daughter loves ours, so we go, but I do feel quite conflicted about it. Obviously not enough to not go, though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/your-view-on-zoos/page/2#post-2123540 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 21:35:20 +0000 jedeve 2123540@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We don't really have any zoos here, but I can't wait to take LOs to the San Diego Zoo one day!</p> <p>There is a wildlife rehabilitation center at one of the state parks nearby that we hang out at a lot. It's definitely not a zoo - you can only see the animals if they happen to be out in the yard. Or they will walk the owls through in the mornings sometimes. It's only native species too, so bears, Eagles, owls, etc. </p> <p>And lots of fish! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/your-view-on-zoos/page/2#post-2123447 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 20:22:30 +0000 Mrs. Pickle 2123447@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lemondrop: I'm happy to see the Houston zoo on the list!</p> <p>I love going to the zoo. I think my local zoo is really great and I plan to get a membership next summer. However, I do agree there are bad zoos. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/your-view-on-zoos/page/2#post-2123417 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 20:06:03 +0000 Mrs. Oyster 2123417@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@honeybear: Agreed entirely. </p> <p>I think some zoos can be done well and probably nice places, but I'd much rather my kiddo see animals in their natural habitats (even if that only includes the deer and squirrels that frequent our backyard). I didn't visit many zoos growing up but I'm a HUGE proponent for animal conservation and have my MS in Environmental Conservation, so I definitely think it's something that can be instilled in children without having to take them to a place that might not be as well run as it should be. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/your-view-on-zoos/page/2#post-2123406 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 20:01:36 +0000 Mrs. Tiger 2123406@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@charlotte: if they had them, it was years and years ago! I only know because K's absolute favorite is giraffes and we had to go to baltimore to see them :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/your-view-on-zoos/page/2#post-2123390 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 19:57:11 +0000 charlotte 2123390@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Tiger: hmm I really thought I remembered a sad little giraffe room at the national zoo. Didnt they have giraffes and then move them to other zoos? Or it could totally be a case of mommy brain. I'll have to ask my sis to remind me ! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/your-view-on-zoos/page/2#post-2123257 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 18:48:54 +0000 MrsRcCar 2123257@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I love the zoos near us, there are 5. They are all dedicated to conservation of animals. We love the Cincinnati Zoo the most. They are huge into conservation and education. My kids love the zoo. :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/your-view-on-zoos#post-2123222 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 18:25:12 +0000 Beth24 2123222@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ShootingStar: I was also just at the Tampa Zoo for the first time and thought the exact same thing. I really enjoyed it overall but that tiger looked so sad just pacing back and forth! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/your-view-on-zoos#post-2123178 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 17:53:39 +0000 Mrs. Tiger 2123178@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@charlotte: the DC zoo doesn't have giraffes! Perhaps you're thinking of the much smaller Baltimore zoo. </p> <p>I love zoos and so does my 3.5yo. We live near the DC zoo and go to the San Diego zoo whenever we're visiting. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/your-view-on-zoos#post-2123148 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 17:32:05 +0000 lemondrop 2123148@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrbee: Yeah- birds and primates, an awesome time in my life! Super exhausting and emotionally charged work though. It is really cool that you can help make a difference in the world by passing on your passion for animals to kids at the zoo (happened to me!)</p> <p>The LA Zoo has done a lot of work to revamp itself, but it is slow going reworking multi-million dollar exhibits one or two at a time in a very old zoo. While there, did you see the gorilla exhibit? It's gorgeous! I used to work with the LA gorillas when they lived in Denver while the exhibit was being re-done. I miss Evelyn (the oldest girl), she's a bff :heart: </p> <p>I'm not even against Sea World necessarily, I don't love some of their practices or how they are changing into a water park (I miss the Anheuser Busch set up), but I'm also not a fan of blindly following a documentary without questioning agendas. I've seen Blackfish and The Cove, I just finished Hargrove's book (the former trainer), but I also know former employees and have a broader perspective. Everyone has an agenda, while it isn't all good there, they also do much for the environment and give children a chance to see things they wouldn't elsewhere. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/your-view-on-zoos#post-2123134 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 17:14:54 +0000 Mae 2123134@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Obviously it depends on the zoo and there are definitely bad ones out there. But I think the good ones are not just fun but also important. I'm a bit biased because my dad worked at (an awesome) zoo for over 30 years so my whole childhood was spent going there a thousand times and I worked there summers when I was a teenager. They work really hard to make good environments for the animals and they are improving all the time. They also have a lot of educational programs and research centers and conservation efforts. For example, my dad was sent to south america for a few weeks at one point to help advise on some condor conservation efforts. My cousin also has worked at several zoos and her husband has as well. Her husband was sent to China for a few months to do research on Giant Pandas. This is happening all over. I think that if there were no zoos, a lot of exotic species would be in a worse position than they already are today. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/your-view-on-zoos#post-2123132 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 17:13:28 +0000 mrbee 2123132@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lemondrop: Thanks for that link!! Was so relieved to check and see that the Bronx Zoo is accredited, and my local zoo too!</p> <p>And wow, you were a zookeeper?? So cool!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/your-view-on-zoos#post-2123130 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 17:08:13 +0000 illumina 2123130@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: haha! You forgot expensive! ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/your-view-on-zoos#post-2123127 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 17:07:03 +0000 pui 2123127@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've only ever been to one zoo (Well unless you count the biodome in Montreal as a zoo), but I didn't feel that the animals there were in bad spirits or treated poorly. I personally have no issue with it and I am excited to bring LO there when she is older/able to appreciate it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/your-view-on-zoos#post-2123123 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 17:05:06 +0000 lemondrop 2123123@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>As a former zookeeper, I vote with my money and only go to zoos accredited by the AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) <a href="https://www.aza.org/" rel="nofollow">https://www.aza.org/</a> Having gone through one of these inspections, it's no joke how hard you have to work to keep the zoo up to snuff. </p> <p>These are going to be the zoos that participate in conservation, attempt the most responsible breeding programs and have solid safety measures in place for both the animals and people. </p> <p>Personally, I love zoos when done responsibly. How else are children going to find a passion about conserving the environment? It isn't feasible for many to travel the world, so the world is brought to them via animal ambassadors. We participate in a monthly "Breakfast with the Animals" at our local zoo with our oldest. It's a great opportunity to learn about the animals and get a close up view behind the scenes. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/your-view-on-zoos#post-2122675 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 13:37:47 +0000 Cherrybee 2122675@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My honest-to-God view on zoos is that they are either too busy or too cold/rainy - there's no in between. :silly: </p> <p>I will let other, more qualified folks talk about the ethics! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/your-view-on-zoos#post-2122667 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 13:31:40 +0000 artsyfartsy 2122667@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I've actually never been to a zoo before. :silly: I know. Deprived child, right? I can't wait to take T this spring for the first time (for me too!). Im okay with zoos though. </p> <p>Like others said though, no circuses or Sea World for us </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/your-view-on-zoos#post-2122597 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 13:02:58 +0000 honeybear 2122597@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think zoos can be done well, but I mostly prefer to see animals in their natural habitats. If the choice is between a zoo and a trip to a local park, I'll pick the latter every time. We only go to the zoo or animal rescue center when someone else we want to meet up with wants to go there. We might go more if we lived in a highly urban environment, but as it is, LO sees lots of different wild animals on a regular basis (in our totally not rural environment!). </p> <p>I like the education and conservation goals of zoos, but I think the point that we have a responsibility to the other inhabitants of the planet is driven home even better by becoming more aware of the creatures that live right around us and how what we do impacts them. For little kids, I think things like planting a native plant that the local butterflies or bees like and watching them come to it, or learning to identify the local birds probably does more to develop their sense of stewardship of the environment than a day at the zoo. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/your-view-on-zoos#post-2122587 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 12:58:17 +0000 Greentea 2122587@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have a zoo that is a wonderful place. It is always free and open year round. They do tons of education and conservation! The animals all have names and are loved and cherished by the community- seriously! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/your-view-on-zoos#post-2122567 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 12:49:55 +0000 namaste 2122567@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ShootingStar: Tampa Zoo is closest to us minus the Sanford Zoo and I was planning a trip there. I guess I'll start researching but it seems like a good place from what my friends have said. Poor tiger :( </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/your-view-on-zoos#post-2122561 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 12:46:38 +0000 youboots 2122561@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cchoi4: I echo it depends on the zoo. The one here in Portland is really nice I think, so is the one in San Diego. The one in SFO was really sad when we went but it was the week after some idiot climed into the cat area and was maimed or killed. I will take our girl to the zoo, but will likely go to the Children's Musuem, Japanese Gardens, OMSI and the Portland Art Musuem more. We also have Circ shows travel here often, which I would take her to once she can appriciate it.</p> <p>@littlejoy is from Indy and can weigh in, even though I know she's not a fan of zoos, she likely has been there. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/your-view-on-zoos#post-2122557 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 12:43:46 +0000 snowjewelz 2122557@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I totally agree w/ others about it depending on the zoo and what their mission/philosophy is and how they treat the animals. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/your-view-on-zoos#post-2122549 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 12:40:53 +0000 ElbieKay 2122549@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just took my son to the Central Park Zoo this weekend. I had not been to a zoo in a very long time. I felt sad for some of the animals who looked like they did not have nearly enough space, e.g., the penguins and the coatis. But then I saw that the brown bears at the zoo were brought there after they had attacked towns near where they lived in the wild. The bears seemed to have a lot of space to roam around, and if they presented a threat to humans in the wild then I guess it's better to keep them in the zoo than to kill them.</p> <p>So, I am left feeling torn. But those poor penguins were really crammed in there, and they don't even get to see any sunlight. Poor little guys. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/your-view-on-zoos#post-2122529 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 12:22:45 +0000 808love 2122529@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I like zoos for educational purposes. If your local zoo is not doing enough or the right way the only way it can change is by people who care to get involved. We are going to Northwest Trek which is more of a free roaming safari for local animal communities. I would love to see more places like this that benefit all parties, without cages. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/your-view-on-zoos#post-2122406 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 11:14:02 +0000 birdofafeather 2122406@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrbee: The LA zoo is so depressing, especially for the giraffes!</p> <p>We went to the SD zoo and wild animal park and they are doing amazing things. I have no issues supporting them and the conservation work they do. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/your-view-on-zoos#post-2122386 Thu, 26 Mar 2015 11:02:04 +0000 charlotte 2122386@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@yoursilverlining: ditto on DC zoo. I went about 8 years ago and I still remember it being too small. Specifically the giraffe area was terrible. I really like the Houston zoo and others where they have big habitats. I know it is expensive but if a particular zoo can't get the funding to do it right then they shouldnt have one at all. </p> <p>My LO also loves the zoo and I do agree withy previous comments about raising awareness, conservation efforts, etc being positives at some. </p>