I understand how you and others feel about the loss of the elephants. They were my favorite, and I don't really like the place they moved to as much.
They could have given the elephants the entire front and back (if there was space) of the Pachyderm House, knocking down the walls. Then they wouldn't have to spend millions of dollars. They could just plant grass, trees, bushes, plants, find and place rocks, etc. That wouldn't cost a million dollars.
The Philly Zoo did not need another children's zoo, the last one when I was eleven was a sham..............the zoo is no longer a zoo, due to no elephants. The house was historic, Philly is lucky they still have a Liberty Bell
@Swedetres It would be good if you would communicate your thoughts directly to the Zoo, too. I know a lot of people who feel the same way as you and I do. And if everyone keeps telling the Zoo that, maybe at some point, the Zoo will actually understand what people who love zoos want from a Zoo. At this point, I actually think they are clueless.
Great video! I do miss the elephants, my favorite animals.
I think that people who complained about the exhibit missed what good it was. The Rick barriers and walls and the barn itself was grand, and different from other zoo exhibits. Plus, people could focus less on the exhibit and more on the elephants.
@Swedetres The Zoo closed the Elephant Exhibit for two reasons. One was that the Zoo could not raise enough money to expand and improve the exhibit. (I believe they didn't try hard enough to do that - but that is just my opinion.) The other reason is that the Zoo is converting the Pachyderm House into a Children's Zoo/Education Center (something I really object to - I loved the old Pachyderm House!)
I will be posting a video very soon. I worked very hard on it, and I really do love the elephants. That's why I made the video. In my video, I bring up the topic about the elephants' lives, living conditions, and more.
@awesomeH2O What difference does that make? It is part of the Indianapolis Zoo's animal behavioral enrichment program. Training in a specific area and providing visitors with seats does not automatically make it "entertainment".
@awesomeH2O The demonstrations are of the training techniques. They are not shows like you see in a circus that are purely for entertainment. Training is also a part of the overall enrichment program. I love to see animals learning!
I also think that the Elephant Sanctuary just allows the elephants to be who they are: elephants. In circuses, they are chained like slaves and forced to perform painful and unnatural tricks. Zoos also force elephants to perform silly tricks. This doesn't educate people about elephants at all; the elephants just perform silly tricks for people. The Philadelphia zoo, the National zoo, and the Indianapolis Zoo do this.
@awesomeH2O I agree with you regarding circuses. But zoos do not train elephants to perform silly tricks. Keepers train the elephants to do certain things, like lifting their feet, that make it easier for keepers and veterinarians to examine them or to treat them when necessary. Visitors do have fun watching the training sessions. But they most certainly can also learn both by watching and by asking questions after the sessions. You are completely wrong on this!
True, but it's just a statement. I think Scott just meant that she really should just be with her herd now, and that letting her just be an elephant is important. The Sanctuary allows the elephants just to be elephants. You may be right about the philosophy, but I'm not so convinced yet.
Aldo, where did you find out that the Sanctuary has a new philosophy about discouraging human-animal bonds? I saw a video about summertime at the Sanctuary, and I did see a caregiver with the elephants.
@awesomeH2O You can see one reference to this change in attitude on the Sanctuary's website in "A Message from Scott" in which he writes:
"A lot of you are undoubtedly concerned about Tarra. The simple answer is that Carol and I have always said the most important relationships in any elephant's life is the one with their true family, the other elephants ... Tarra has spent increasingly more time out being an elephant."
Neither Scott nor Carol made statements like that in the past.
@awesomeH2O Yes, it is nice for both Dulary and Misty. But one other concern I have had but have not mentioned in our discussions is that, in a lot of ways, the Elephant Sanctuary is like a nursing home for elephants. Dulary was, and still is, I believe, the only elephant living in the Sanctuary who was not experiencing any signs of aging, did not have any diseases, and had not been physically or mentally abused at the time she was brought there. It was not an appropriate place for her.
@awesomeH2O I don't think either of us can speak for what other people want from zoos. But, I do try to talk to other visitors as much as possible, and to listen to their conversations when they are talking about the animals.
From what I have heard, I believe that there are some other visitors who agree with me and believe zoo animals are lucky to be living in zoos. Not that many, though ... yet. (I hope to change that!)
@awesomeH2O (continued) But there are also a lot of people who do go to zoos because zoos are relatively inexpensive family-friendly places to go. Those people don't seem to give a whole lot of thought to the individual animals at all. Many can't tell the difference between the jaguar or the cheetah, even after visiting many times. But their overall impression is that the animals get good care.
@awesomeH2O (continued more) And there are also, as you say, some who come to the Zoo just to be entertained. Those are the people who come to ride the ZooBalloon or the Swan Boats. Or to see the LEGO creatures. Or to attend one of the none-animal related special attractions.
If I had my way, I would not let those people in, even if they paid double. That is why I protest having attractions that are designed to bring in people who would not otherwise visit a zoo.
Also, Dulary is very close to Misty, another Asian elephant at the Sanctuary. I think Misty is the closest friend Dulary has, even though she loves all her herd members.
The elephants are trained for cooperating in medical procedures. It's just that they are not forced to do anything they don't want to or anything that makes them feel uncomfortable. In some zoos, keepers dominate them to train them (I'm not saying they don't love them) and give them less choice.
I have researched a lot about elephants, trying to gain knowledge and really make my opinion strong using this information. Elephants in the wild may travel 10-20 miles a day, and some may even walk 30 miles a day. This is not useful just because they can reach food and water. Elephants need the exercise, and it keeps them from getting feet and joint problems as well as preventing obesity. Even if the Zoo did have an exercise program, it could not amount to 20 miles of walking each day, right?
@awesomeH2O I don't think the number of miles walked is the most significant factor. I believe it has more to do with the flooring in the inside areas and the ground outside.
But the fact is that the Philadelphia Zoo elephants never had foot problems. I think the reason for that was the excellent foot care provided by the keepers. The elephants received regular pedicures and other preventive treatments that kept their feet in excellent condition at all times.
@ZooVisitorMM Are you sure that the elephants never had foot problems? Just because you and I cannot see this from simply watching them in their yard doesn't mean they have some feet and joint problems. Keepers did provide pedicures and foot care, but in most cases this does not prove to be enough. If the elephants were able to move around more and allowed to roam around, the foot care would not be necessary. In the wild, simply walking helps keep the feet in good condition.
@awesomeH2O Also, you have surely read about the foot problems elephants in the wild often have. If an elephant in the wild steps on any kind of sharp object that pierces the skin of the foot, the elephant will most likely develop an infection because the skin is so thick that it can't bleed.
And the infection can be either crippling or fatal.
@awesomeH2O ... This is one reason that zoos have traditionally used only a material that may look unappealing to us but is very safe for the elephants to create the ground in elephant exhibits.
@awesomeH2O If the Zoo did not already have plans to convert the Pachyderm House into a Childrens' Zoo/Education Center, I would say all the exhibit areas, both inside and out could be improved.
And the Carnivore Kingdom area also could use some more renovating (the Zoo is already working on that).
That is not to say that the exhibit areas as they currently are don't meet all the requirements and standards. It is just that there is always room for improvement in almost any situation.
Also, each time an elephant was transferred from the Philadelphia Zoo, the report from the receiving agency indicated the elephant's feet were in good condition.
And, as I said before, I don't believe the miles walked is the most important factor. Elephants in the wild have to walk to find food and water. If they had a steady source in one area, they would most likely not walk very much at all.
@ZooVisitorMM They need to walk not only to find food and water, but it's also needed for exercise. Many zoo exercise programs may not be sufficient for the animals. Elephants are designed to move, and I simply feel that unless the elephant paces around a million times, a 1/4 acre yard is not enough for an elephant to express its basic need of movement.
@awesomeH2O A lot of zoos do walk their elephants around the entire zoos every day. So the Zoo could have done that if it was determined that the elephants needed more exercise then they were getting.
@awesomeH2O However, I think if you ask people who work with the elephants in the sanctuaries where the elephants have access to a lot more area, they will tell you that the elephants usually don't walk very far each day.
I know that at the Elephant Sanctuary, Dulary did not venture any further from the barn than she would have been walking if she had still been at the Zoo - for an entire year.
That was why the Sanctuary people built a special pond for her close to the barn.
@ZooVisitorMM The freedom will take a little time getting used to, as many of the elephants are from facilities that did not meet their natural needs of freedom to move. After a while, depending on the individual, the elephant will travel with a companion all around. Tarra, one of the residents at the Elephant Sanctuary, goes pretty far out into the habitat and many nights does not return to the barn.
@awesomeH2O Tarra was the first elephant at the Sanctuary.
As I have said many times, though, I wish we could just ask the elephants which life they prefer. Dulary would be a good one to ask because she has experienced both Zoo life and Sanctuary life and is a very adaptable individual.
@awesomeH2O I am relieved and happy that she is doing well and appears to be in good health. I was worried that she would miss her keepers and the only life she had ever known at the Zoo.
I believe the Elephant Sanctuary takes good care of the elephants. But I do have a few concerns regarding the recent changes in direction that have occurred there. And I don't believe the care at the Sanctuary is quite as good as it was at the Philadelphia Zoo.
@ZooVisitorMM Are you sure? The caregivers provide care around the clock. And like the Zoo, the Sanctuary also has highly qualified vets.
It is true that the changes in direction have happened. Carol Buckley (who I respect so much, and who inspired my love of elephants) was sort of "fired" from her place as CEO and Director of the Elephant Sanctuary. I feel that things may change (not good changes) without her leadership.
@awesomeH2O The caregivers are available to provide 24-hour care. However, the elephants are spread out over a large area and not always in sight at all times. Another thing to consider is the fact that Sanctuary elephants are not as thoroughly trained to accept medical treatments when necessary.
Some zoos do actually also have round-the-clock monitoring of all the animals, which I think is the ideal arrangement.
@awesomeH2O I do also respect Carol Buckley. I thought the way she was treated by the Board was outrageous, and I am afraid that one of the things I actually really liked about the Sanctuary has already changed for the worse. Apparently the new philosophy at the Sanctuary is to discourage human/animal bonds between caregivers and elephants rather than to encourage them. I am surprised that Scott agreed with that so quickly and easily.
I have read before that the Philadelphia Zoo elephants had been chained in their barn space at night. I am not sure if this is true, but I know that some zoos do this.
@awesomeH2O All I can say is that I trust that whatever the Zoo did or didn't do regarding the elephants was done for the good and/or safety of the elephants because I know the keepers who cared for them REALLY cared about them.
Keeping elephants in zoos is not exactly conservation in itself. People do not usually see them and help the species. Even if they do think this, usually the people do not do anything. Most people go to the zoo, take pictures, see animals, and go home. I don't think anyone actually starts a huge conservation project because of seeing an elephant in a zoo. There is no real evidence of that. Of course, zoos support conservation projects, but keeping them on exhibit does not help the species at all
@awesomeH2O There is much more to it than that. I think the more important thing is that connecting with and caring about individual animals in ways that many zoo visitors do causes them to live a lifestyle that does not harm animals in any way.
And overall, I think that has a bigger impact on the future of wildlife than any conservation projects.
I don't like the idea of having elephants perform in circuses even in cases in which they get good care.
Circuses don't provide the audience with any way to observe and get to know individual animals, nor do they inspire people to want to learn about animals in the wild. Circuses focus on entertainment and nothing more.
The Zoo made the decision to move the elephants to the Pittsburgh Zoo's International Conservation Center.
I am just a zoo visitor, so I can't speak for the Zoo. But you can call the Zoo and/or read many articles that explain the Zoo's reasons for deciding to close the elephant exhibit.
I understand how you and others feel about the loss of the elephants. They were my favorite, and I don't really like the place they moved to as much.
They could have given the elephants the entire front and back (if there was space) of the Pachyderm House, knocking down the walls. Then they wouldn't have to spend millions of dollars. They could just plant grass, trees, bushes, plants, find and place rocks, etc. That wouldn't cost a million dollars.
IrishMusicIsAwesome 1 year ago
@IrishMusicIsAwesome I wish the Zoo had thought like you do. (The right way, in other words!)
ZooVisitorMM 1 year ago
The Philly Zoo did not need another children's zoo, the last one when I was eleven was a sham..............the zoo is no longer a zoo, due to no elephants. The house was historic, Philly is lucky they still have a Liberty Bell
Swedetres 1 year ago
@Swedetres It would be good if you would communicate your thoughts directly to the Zoo, too. I know a lot of people who feel the same way as you and I do. And if everyone keeps telling the Zoo that, maybe at some point, the Zoo will actually understand what people who love zoos want from a Zoo. At this point, I actually think they are clueless.
ZooVisitorMM 1 year ago
Great video! I do miss the elephants, my favorite animals.
I think that people who complained about the exhibit missed what good it was. The Rick barriers and walls and the barn itself was grand, and different from other zoo exhibits. Plus, people could focus less on the exhibit and more on the elephants.
animalsrule1231 1 year ago
@animalsrule1231 I agree with you about that, too.
ZooVisitorMM 1 year ago
@animalsrule1231 i AM NOW 65 WENT TO THE ZOO AT AGE FOUR AND THEN ON ONCE OR TWICE A YEAR,,,,,,,,,,, THEY TOOK THE EXHIBIT OUT? wHAT HAPPENED
Swedetres 1 year ago
@Swedetres The Zoo closed the Elephant Exhibit for two reasons. One was that the Zoo could not raise enough money to expand and improve the exhibit. (I believe they didn't try hard enough to do that - but that is just my opinion.) The other reason is that the Zoo is converting the Pachyderm House into a Children's Zoo/Education Center (something I really object to - I loved the old Pachyderm House!)
ZooVisitorMM 1 year ago
I will be posting a video very soon. I worked very hard on it, and I really do love the elephants. That's why I made the video. In my video, I bring up the topic about the elephants' lives, living conditions, and more.
awesomeH2O 1 year ago
@awesomeH2O I am looking forward to seeing it and discussing it with you.
ZooVisitorMM 1 year ago
The Indianapolis Zoo has bleachers for people to sit and watch, and there is a yard for the elephants to perform.
awesomeH2O 1 year ago
@awesomeH2O What difference does that make? It is part of the Indianapolis Zoo's animal behavioral enrichment program. Training in a specific area and providing visitors with seats does not automatically make it "entertainment".
ZooVisitorMM 1 year ago
The National Zoo make their elephants become part of demonstrations. So does the Indianapolis Zoo. It is for people.
awesomeH2O 1 year ago
@awesomeH2O The demonstrations are of the training techniques. They are not shows like you see in a circus that are purely for entertainment. Training is also a part of the overall enrichment program. I love to see animals learning!
ZooVisitorMM 1 year ago
I also think that the Elephant Sanctuary just allows the elephants to be who they are: elephants. In circuses, they are chained like slaves and forced to perform painful and unnatural tricks. Zoos also force elephants to perform silly tricks. This doesn't educate people about elephants at all; the elephants just perform silly tricks for people. The Philadelphia zoo, the National zoo, and the Indianapolis Zoo do this.
awesomeH2O 1 year ago
@awesomeH2O I agree with you regarding circuses. But zoos do not train elephants to perform silly tricks. Keepers train the elephants to do certain things, like lifting their feet, that make it easier for keepers and veterinarians to examine them or to treat them when necessary. Visitors do have fun watching the training sessions. But they most certainly can also learn both by watching and by asking questions after the sessions. You are completely wrong on this!
ZooVisitorMM 1 year ago
True, but it's just a statement. I think Scott just meant that she really should just be with her herd now, and that letting her just be an elephant is important. The Sanctuary allows the elephants just to be elephants. You may be right about the philosophy, but I'm not so convinced yet.
awesomeH2O 1 year ago
Aldo, where did you find out that the Sanctuary has a new philosophy about discouraging human-animal bonds? I saw a video about summertime at the Sanctuary, and I did see a caregiver with the elephants.
awesomeH2O 1 year ago
@awesomeH2O You can see one reference to this change in attitude on the Sanctuary's website in "A Message from Scott" in which he writes:
"A lot of you are undoubtedly concerned about Tarra. The simple answer is that Carol and I have always said the most important relationships in any elephant's life is the one with their true family, the other elephants ... Tarra has spent increasingly more time out being an elephant."
Neither Scott nor Carol made statements like that in the past.
ZooVisitorMM 1 year ago
But the elephants there are healthy now. Many elephants there used to live in zoos, not just Dulary.
I think it is a good place for Dulary. She now has other Asian elephants, natural habitat, more space, and a true family.
However, with the current situation of the Sanctuary, I'd say PAWS is now a better option for elephants.
awesomeH2O 1 year ago
I think Misty is Dulary's closest friend now. The two are blessed to have each other. Of course, Dulary loves all of her herd members.
awesomeH2O 1 year ago
@awesomeH2O Yes, it is nice for both Dulary and Misty. But one other concern I have had but have not mentioned in our discussions is that, in a lot of ways, the Elephant Sanctuary is like a nursing home for elephants. Dulary was, and still is, I believe, the only elephant living in the Sanctuary who was not experiencing any signs of aging, did not have any diseases, and had not been physically or mentally abused at the time she was brought there. It was not an appropriate place for her.
ZooVisitorMM 1 year ago
I think that the real reason that many people want animals in zoos is not for protection or medical care. It's really just for human entertainment.
awesomeH2O 1 year ago
@awesomeH2O I don't think either of us can speak for what other people want from zoos. But, I do try to talk to other visitors as much as possible, and to listen to their conversations when they are talking about the animals.
From what I have heard, I believe that there are some other visitors who agree with me and believe zoo animals are lucky to be living in zoos. Not that many, though ... yet. (I hope to change that!)
ZooVisitorMM 1 year ago
@awesomeH2O (continued) But there are also a lot of people who do go to zoos because zoos are relatively inexpensive family-friendly places to go. Those people don't seem to give a whole lot of thought to the individual animals at all. Many can't tell the difference between the jaguar or the cheetah, even after visiting many times. But their overall impression is that the animals get good care.
ZooVisitorMM 1 year ago
@awesomeH2O (continued more) And there are also, as you say, some who come to the Zoo just to be entertained. Those are the people who come to ride the ZooBalloon or the Swan Boats. Or to see the LEGO creatures. Or to attend one of the none-animal related special attractions.
If I had my way, I would not let those people in, even if they paid double. That is why I protest having attractions that are designed to bring in people who would not otherwise visit a zoo.
ZooVisitorMM 1 year ago
Also, Dulary is very close to Misty, another Asian elephant at the Sanctuary. I think Misty is the closest friend Dulary has, even though she loves all her herd members.
awesomeH2O 1 year ago
Are you sure they have a new philosophy about discouraging human-animal bonds?
I am glad you agree that the board members did outrageous things. They kept this hidden from the public for a while.
awesomeH2O 1 year ago
The elephants are trained for cooperating in medical procedures. It's just that they are not forced to do anything they don't want to or anything that makes them feel uncomfortable. In some zoos, keepers dominate them to train them (I'm not saying they don't love them) and give them less choice.
awesomeH2O 1 year ago
I have researched a lot about elephants, trying to gain knowledge and really make my opinion strong using this information. Elephants in the wild may travel 10-20 miles a day, and some may even walk 30 miles a day. This is not useful just because they can reach food and water. Elephants need the exercise, and it keeps them from getting feet and joint problems as well as preventing obesity. Even if the Zoo did have an exercise program, it could not amount to 20 miles of walking each day, right?
awesomeH2O 1 year ago
@awesomeH2O I don't think the number of miles walked is the most significant factor. I believe it has more to do with the flooring in the inside areas and the ground outside.
But the fact is that the Philadelphia Zoo elephants never had foot problems. I think the reason for that was the excellent foot care provided by the keepers. The elephants received regular pedicures and other preventive treatments that kept their feet in excellent condition at all times.
ZooVisitorMM 1 year ago
@ZooVisitorMM Are you sure that the elephants never had foot problems? Just because you and I cannot see this from simply watching them in their yard doesn't mean they have some feet and joint problems. Keepers did provide pedicures and foot care, but in most cases this does not prove to be enough. If the elephants were able to move around more and allowed to roam around, the foot care would not be necessary. In the wild, simply walking helps keep the feet in good condition.
awesomeH2O 1 year ago
@awesomeH2O Also, you have surely read about the foot problems elephants in the wild often have. If an elephant in the wild steps on any kind of sharp object that pierces the skin of the foot, the elephant will most likely develop an infection because the skin is so thick that it can't bleed.
And the infection can be either crippling or fatal.
ZooVisitorMM 1 year ago
@awesomeH2O ... This is one reason that zoos have traditionally used only a material that may look unappealing to us but is very safe for the elephants to create the ground in elephant exhibits.
ZooVisitorMM 1 year ago
@ZooVisitorMM Is there any exhibit at the Zoo that you think really needs improvement now?
awesomeH2O 1 year ago
@awesomeH2O If the Zoo did not already have plans to convert the Pachyderm House into a Childrens' Zoo/Education Center, I would say all the exhibit areas, both inside and out could be improved.
And the Carnivore Kingdom area also could use some more renovating (the Zoo is already working on that).
That is not to say that the exhibit areas as they currently are don't meet all the requirements and standards. It is just that there is always room for improvement in almost any situation.
ZooVisitorMM 1 year ago
@ZooVisitorMM Very true...there is always room for improvement.
awesomeH2O 1 year ago
@awesomeH2O Yes, I'm sure.
Also, each time an elephant was transferred from the Philadelphia Zoo, the report from the receiving agency indicated the elephant's feet were in good condition.
And, as I said before, I don't believe the miles walked is the most important factor. Elephants in the wild have to walk to find food and water. If they had a steady source in one area, they would most likely not walk very much at all.
ZooVisitorMM 1 year ago
@ZooVisitorMM They need to walk not only to find food and water, but it's also needed for exercise. Many zoo exercise programs may not be sufficient for the animals. Elephants are designed to move, and I simply feel that unless the elephant paces around a million times, a 1/4 acre yard is not enough for an elephant to express its basic need of movement.
awesomeH2O 1 year ago
@awesomeH2O A lot of zoos do walk their elephants around the entire zoos every day. So the Zoo could have done that if it was determined that the elephants needed more exercise then they were getting.
ZooVisitorMM 1 year ago
@awesomeH2O However, I think if you ask people who work with the elephants in the sanctuaries where the elephants have access to a lot more area, they will tell you that the elephants usually don't walk very far each day.
I know that at the Elephant Sanctuary, Dulary did not venture any further from the barn than she would have been walking if she had still been at the Zoo - for an entire year.
That was why the Sanctuary people built a special pond for her close to the barn.
ZooVisitorMM 1 year ago
@ZooVisitorMM The freedom will take a little time getting used to, as many of the elephants are from facilities that did not meet their natural needs of freedom to move. After a while, depending on the individual, the elephant will travel with a companion all around. Tarra, one of the residents at the Elephant Sanctuary, goes pretty far out into the habitat and many nights does not return to the barn.
awesomeH2O 1 year ago
@awesomeH2O Tarra was the first elephant at the Sanctuary.
As I have said many times, though, I wish we could just ask the elephants which life they prefer. Dulary would be a good one to ask because she has experienced both Zoo life and Sanctuary life and is a very adaptable individual.
ZooVisitorMM 1 year ago
@ZooVisitorMM I think that she is adaptable, indeed. I think it is great that she is now with other Asian elephants. Are you happy for her?
awesomeH2O 1 year ago
@awesomeH2O I am relieved and happy that she is doing well and appears to be in good health. I was worried that she would miss her keepers and the only life she had ever known at the Zoo.
I believe the Elephant Sanctuary takes good care of the elephants. But I do have a few concerns regarding the recent changes in direction that have occurred there. And I don't believe the care at the Sanctuary is quite as good as it was at the Philadelphia Zoo.
ZooVisitorMM 1 year ago
@ZooVisitorMM Are you sure? The caregivers provide care around the clock. And like the Zoo, the Sanctuary also has highly qualified vets.
It is true that the changes in direction have happened. Carol Buckley (who I respect so much, and who inspired my love of elephants) was sort of "fired" from her place as CEO and Director of the Elephant Sanctuary. I feel that things may change (not good changes) without her leadership.
awesomeH2O 1 year ago
@awesomeH2O The caregivers are available to provide 24-hour care. However, the elephants are spread out over a large area and not always in sight at all times. Another thing to consider is the fact that Sanctuary elephants are not as thoroughly trained to accept medical treatments when necessary.
Some zoos do actually also have round-the-clock monitoring of all the animals, which I think is the ideal arrangement.
ZooVisitorMM 1 year ago
@awesomeH2O I do also respect Carol Buckley. I thought the way she was treated by the Board was outrageous, and I am afraid that one of the things I actually really liked about the Sanctuary has already changed for the worse. Apparently the new philosophy at the Sanctuary is to discourage human/animal bonds between caregivers and elephants rather than to encourage them. I am surprised that Scott agreed with that so quickly and easily.
ZooVisitorMM 1 year ago
I have read before that the Philadelphia Zoo elephants had been chained in their barn space at night. I am not sure if this is true, but I know that some zoos do this.
awesomeH2O 1 year ago
@awesomeH2O All I can say is that I trust that whatever the Zoo did or didn't do regarding the elephants was done for the good and/or safety of the elephants because I know the keepers who cared for them REALLY cared about them.
ZooVisitorMM 1 year ago
@ZooVisitorMM I am sure the keepers did care for them, but they were probably trained to handle them in the ways that I oppose.
awesomeH2O 1 year ago
Keeping elephants in zoos is not exactly conservation in itself. People do not usually see them and help the species. Even if they do think this, usually the people do not do anything. Most people go to the zoo, take pictures, see animals, and go home. I don't think anyone actually starts a huge conservation project because of seeing an elephant in a zoo. There is no real evidence of that. Of course, zoos support conservation projects, but keeping them on exhibit does not help the species at all
awesomeH2O 1 year ago
@awesomeH2O There is much more to it than that. I think the more important thing is that connecting with and caring about individual animals in ways that many zoo visitors do causes them to live a lifestyle that does not harm animals in any way.
And overall, I think that has a bigger impact on the future of wildlife than any conservation projects.
ZooVisitorMM 1 year ago
I don't like the idea of having elephants perform in circuses even in cases in which they get good care.
Circuses don't provide the audience with any way to observe and get to know individual animals, nor do they inspire people to want to learn about animals in the wild. Circuses focus on entertainment and nothing more.
ZooVisitorMM 2 years ago
I just want to add that while they were living at the Zoo, the elephants were healthy, active, and interacted well with their keepers at all times.
And I hope the Zoo will exhibit elephants again in the future.
ZooVisitorMM 2 years ago
No, nobody took the elephants away from the Zoo.
The Zoo made the decision to move the elephants to the Pittsburgh Zoo's International Conservation Center.
I am just a zoo visitor, so I can't speak for the Zoo. But you can call the Zoo and/or read many articles that explain the Zoo's reasons for deciding to close the elephant exhibit.
ZooVisitorMM 2 years ago
You really do post the best videos
MatthewCClark 2 years ago