Thank you for this piece, something I have thought about a lot in my travels. I think the Eastern and Western worlds approach zoos a bit differently, on some level. For example, in Taiwan where I was lived for 8 years, the zoo was known to be a really sad place, with really small spaces and unkept envrionments for the animals. But there is some level of education and awareness that can be done in places like Thailand where tourists flock to train with elephants.
I would be curious to know your take on aquariums. I used to like them to see underwater life when I was younger, but once I started scuba diving and snorkeling, I realized how harsh these places can be.
Ya, so this is a really nuanced topic. There isn't an easy answer. Aquariums give people an insight into a world that is really inaccessible. You and I are fortunate to have gone scuba diving, but most people aren't. And so, for them, this remains one of the only ways to connect with the marine world.
But it is horrid to see large animals swim in circles in tanks that are too small for them. So I guess you need to look at this issue with your heart and your head...
But I am so happy to see you engage with it. Your comment made me smile Kelly :)
That's an interesting comparison to being in captivity with covid. I think you're right that we can't really properly empathize for what it would be like for an animal to be so bound, because we're free to move. That gave me some immediate perspective and more empathy.
I don’t go to zoos very often. The times I’ve went they always make me a bit uncomfortable because the animals stuck in the cages do kind of get to me. There’s a theme park called SeaWorld here in the States where they have trained whales and dolphins doing shows, I can’t stand it either.
Thank you for this piece, something I have thought about a lot in my travels. I think the Eastern and Western worlds approach zoos a bit differently, on some level. For example, in Taiwan where I was lived for 8 years, the zoo was known to be a really sad place, with really small spaces and unkept envrionments for the animals. But there is some level of education and awareness that can be done in places like Thailand where tourists flock to train with elephants.
I would be curious to know your take on aquariums. I used to like them to see underwater life when I was younger, but once I started scuba diving and snorkeling, I realized how harsh these places can be.
Great to read your take on this topic, go Ishan!
Ya, so this is a really nuanced topic. There isn't an easy answer. Aquariums give people an insight into a world that is really inaccessible. You and I are fortunate to have gone scuba diving, but most people aren't. And so, for them, this remains one of the only ways to connect with the marine world.
But it is horrid to see large animals swim in circles in tanks that are too small for them. So I guess you need to look at this issue with your heart and your head...
But I am so happy to see you engage with it. Your comment made me smile Kelly :)
That's an interesting comparison to being in captivity with covid. I think you're right that we can't really properly empathize for what it would be like for an animal to be so bound, because we're free to move. That gave me some immediate perspective and more empathy.
Ya, this was something someone told me, and it has stayed with me ever since.
I don’t go to zoos very often. The times I’ve went they always make me a bit uncomfortable because the animals stuck in the cages do kind of get to me. There’s a theme park called SeaWorld here in the States where they have trained whales and dolphins doing shows, I can’t stand it either.
Ya, it is gut wrenching to see the pitiful conditions some animals have to live in.