I went to the zoo

Is it ethical to go to the zoo, let alone enjoy yourself?

I went to the San Diego Zoo. While I had an overall enjoyable time, it did leave me with questions surrounding the ethics of zoos and what they stand for.  

We (my boyfriend Jakob, his dad Tom, who was in town from Yakima, Washington, and myself) each voiced concern going into the experience. With a little bit of research on Jakob’s end, that reportedly the San Diego Zoo is one of the better zoo establishments in the way it treats its animals, and some conscious swallowing, we decided to take out a loan ($70 per person?!) and visit the zoo. 

As we stood in line to buy our tickets, admittedly, our excitement grew. We were less than a mile away from exotic animals; orangutans, elephants, handfuls of reptile species and more! While extremely exciting, my conscious gulped me back to reality. Is it okay that all these animals, from various parts of the world, be held in cages within the nearly never changing climate of Southern California? I know it’s one of the many reasons people love it here, but should a polar bear be subjected to 75-degree weather almost all year-round? 

Once we reached the front of the line, Tom graciously requested and paid for three adult tickets. He also asked the worker, who seemed rather subdued in my opinion, whether two hours would be enough time to spend at the zoo, since we arrived at two in the afternoon and the park closed at five.  

“No,” she replied, followed by a couple seconds of awkward silence before adding, “It’s a really big zoo, you probably won’t be able to see everything.” 

Tom thanked her and we went ahead to the entrance, brushing away her brutal honesty and perhaps eighth-hour angst. We accepted the truth of her statement but decided to replace the disappointment with a plan of attack. 

Step one was figuring out where to start, which turned out to be an easy decision. We opted for a handheld map (screw digital, we like old school!) and hopped in line for the overhead gondola ride. This was a no-brainer because it seemed fun, plus as we had to wait in line first which allowed us time to review the map. It also gave us the opportunity to scope out the zoo from above and provided transport across the zoo faster than walking could.  

We ultimately decided to skip out on a couple of exhibits. I said we could live without reptiles and Jakob rejected the polar bears as it seemed too depressing. Everything else was fair game, we would just have to dodge slow walkers to keep pace.  

Throughout the exhibits, I often wondered if the cages were the appropriate size for some of the animals encased. The one I remember most distinctly was the mountain lion section. I remember exclaiming that mountain lions seemed like a weird animal to have in a zoo because they weren’t all that exotic, to which Tom asked, “Have you seen one before?” 

I thought about this for a moment, but the answer was no. 

I couldn’t recall if I had seen one in person before. But it felt like I had since I grew up in an area where it was common for them to be spotted not but a mile from my house. I had heard stories in high school about my friend’s mom being stalked by one on her morning walk, and my grandparents had to be careful about letting their cat out in the backyard since it connected to a green belt where all sorts of predators roamed.  

That conversation flicked on a lightbulb above my head; what I consider an exotic animal, or even what I don’t consider exotic, probably isn’t the same as the person to my left or right. In fact, it isn't the same.

This has been an interesting concept to digest and reflect upon, especially regarding different backgrounds and previous exposure. Even with these various experiences, all these random individuals have come together in one place to admire animals from around the world.  

While an enlightening thought, it still begs the question regarding the morality of zoos.  

In an encyclopedia article posted by National Geographic, it highlights that fortunately, modern day zoos have adapted since the first one was built in 1793. Back then, zoo animals were treated more like objects on display than living animals. Today, zoos strive to create realistic and natural habitats for animals, while supplying educational resources to the public. Whether or not zoos are up to code in following the set rules, regulations and standards, is determined by the government with respect to a handful of acts and associations.  

To be honest, I’m still a bit fuzzy on how the regulation process works, but I was able to learn that there are laws for zoo animals on international, federal, state and local levels, and each have different associations that seek to protect zoo animals from further harm; whether that be trying to save an endangered or threatened species, or regulating how the animals are treated within the facility.  

None of this information really put my concern to rest. I was happy to learn that there were statutes in place to protect the animals, but then again, these are only as dependable (or trustworthy) as regulators hold them accountable to being. You know what I mean?  

So, I believe this topic is still up for debate and may always be. I will say I had fun during my day at the zoo, but at the expense of some subtle embarrassment of what feels like benefiting from another’s misfortune.  

While I do think visiting the zoo can be an enriching experience, one I haven’t yet completely turned my nose up to, it needs to be done with genuine morals and respect for the animals. So, when you find yourself pointing at an orangutan and saying to your child, “Look at the monkey! Do you like the monkey?”, all while an educational sign but two feet away, staring you in the face says, “I am not a monkey.” You’ve done something wrong.

Don’t be that parent.