Although most accredited zoos now provide a much more humane environment than the zoos of the 1960s, they deny the most fundamental drive of all animals — the need to be free. The total acreage of the entire Reid Park Zoo is dramatically smaller than the home range of just one species of animal such as the elephant. This diminished room for roaming in captive settings results in stress-related behaviors called zoochosis.
Observing an animal in captivity is a disingenuous experience. Allowing children to touch or feed wild animals is counterproductive and dangerous to all concerned. Voting "no" on Propositions 202 and 203 and instead providing libraries with the latest scientific information on wildlife studies — and promoting the decision to privately contribute to legitimate wildlife sanctuaries — would be a much better way to support both wild animals and education.
Deb Thompson
People are also reading…
East side
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.
