Of course, there are well-managed zoos, which can do more good than harm, giving sanctuary to endangered species, and providing excellent living for the animals and understanding of their needs. These are nothing like the zoos I remember as a child, and which used to upset me even then when I didn't think about such things. The smell used to upset me. It was an unhealthy stressed smell. Now I recognise that as the smell of organ failure and general bad condition.
And there were many animals pacing, swaying and showing other signs of mental and emotional torture. Lions and tigers with chips and burgers thrown to them....Hippopotamus with their mouths open constantly to receive huge loaves of white bread which the public used to delight in throwing into their mouths all day long. Monkeys screaming and throwing things at the people....monkeys trying to hide......
I have heard good reports about the Toronto zoo. In good hands, zoos are very different now.
And there were many animals pacing, swaying and showing other signs of mental and emotional torture. Lions and tigers with chips and burgers thrown to them....Hippopotamus with their mouths open constantly to receive huge loaves of white bread which the public used to delight in throwing into their mouths all day long. Monkeys screaming and throwing things at the people....monkeys trying to hide......
I have heard good reports about the Toronto zoo. In good hands, zoos are very different now.
