Zoos, Aquariums, and such

[Footprints]

Recently, I came across the trailer for the documentary Blackfish which was made years ago when the death of an orca trainer at SeaWorld sparked outrage. It got me thinking about zoos, aviaries, and aquariums.
I’ve enjoyed my trips to those types of places and I never really thought anything was wrong. However, I also didn’t know about some of the horrors behind some of them. From what I remember, the animals looked healthy and content and certainly didn’t launch themselves at the glass/bars to attack.
So, I’m wondering what the opinions of some of you are on these types of attractions. Personally, I would think that they are a wonderful way to see wildlife up close as long as it is kind and safe to the animals. There are some that probably cannot be accommodated and should be left out in the wild. Understandably, these are WILD creatures and I just don’t know if they should be left out there in the wild and not put on show for humans.
I don’t think the Church has said anything on this topic so I don’t know if there is a moral problem or not here… it is God’s creation and I would assume He’d want us to marvel at it but certainly not demean it or harm it.

 

[Xanthippe_Voorhees]

Most zoos and aquariums now run breeding programs for endangered animals. They are not the “freak shows” of years ago.

 

[CoffeeAndDonuts]

Nothing bums me out quite as profoundly as seeing a bird in a cage. I don’t think that’s really the answer you’re looking for, but it’s just so against their nature.

 

[Seagull]

Noah’s ark - perhaps there were protesters - outside of the ark !
" Let those animals - not be caged " - repeat that 100 times -
and add signs too and people throwing rocks
and others perhaps even trying to light the ark on fire !
Ancient activists ! Even back then !

Seagull was on the roof

 

[KatyCatholic]

We have a duty to be good stewards of the life in our world. However, if there is one principle guide here, the animals at the zoo, aquarium, or aviary do not have the inherent dignity of a human being, thus the responsibility to ensure that dignity is, in my opinion, not that important.

I’ve seen way too many folks put way too much emphasis on an animal over a spouse or child.

I’ve seen way too many folks who say stuff like, “If there are no pet dogs in heaven, I don’t want to go to heaven”

Treat them humanely, run the business of the zoo or whatever, and be done with it.