I have been fortunate to see so many of these animals in the wild – and that’s where they belong. I still have somewhat mixed feelings about zoos because they often are the only avenue for many people to see wild animals “live”. But the zoos would need to be really well run and have lots of space for the animals – as natural environments as possible. Unfortunately most zoos don’t meet this high standard.
Indeed it is true that zoos provide an opportunity for us to “meet” these wonderful creatures. And at the same time, they were never created to live in captivity. This photo was taken at the LA Zoo, and I’m sure there wasn’t enough space for such magnificence . . no grasslands for them to roam.
I can no longer visit zoos. I went on safari in Tanzania for 2 weeks (see: http://soulgatherings.wordpress.com/2013/09/17/tuesday-travels-tanzania/), and having been a guest of the wildlife on the Serengeti Plain, I respect them too much to contain them. I’m also on a petition to stop a road from being put through the park, which will only make it easier for the poachers to kill for ivory, rhino horns, etc.
OPreach 
I feel the same, wild animals (as the name implies) should be in the wild. Have a great weekend Pat 😀
Thank you, Joe! You too! 🙂
I have been fortunate to see so many of these animals in the wild – and that’s where they belong. I still have somewhat mixed feelings about zoos because they often are the only avenue for many people to see wild animals “live”. But the zoos would need to be really well run and have lots of space for the animals – as natural environments as possible. Unfortunately most zoos don’t meet this high standard.
Thank you for your comment.
Indeed it is true that zoos provide an opportunity for us to “meet” these wonderful creatures. And at the same time, they were never created to live in captivity. This photo was taken at the LA Zoo, and I’m sure there wasn’t enough space for such magnificence . . no grasslands for them to roam.
I can no longer visit zoos. I went on safari in Tanzania for 2 weeks (see: http://soulgatherings.wordpress.com/2013/09/17/tuesday-travels-tanzania/), and having been a guest of the wildlife on the Serengeti Plain, I respect them too much to contain them. I’m also on a petition to stop a road from being put through the park, which will only make it easier for the poachers to kill for ivory, rhino horns, etc.
Yes, I totally understand why you would not want to go to a zoo. It is sad, in so many ways, to see them in that captive state.