Anti-zoo activists?

Question

my family and i recently made a trip to the Philadelphia zoo, and i was not to happy about the living condition, of some of the animal (Elephants, rhino, and gorillas.) I was just wondering what i can do to help the animals.

Answer 1

It's great you're showing this compassion for the animals there.

I think the fist thing you should do is contact the Philadelphia Zoo directly. Most zoos across the country are going through significant renovations right now (Lincoln Park in Chicago and Brooklyn as well) and the habitats they were in might not be permanent.

If this isn't the case approach the zoo about working with them to improve the condition these animals exist in -- it's amazing how proactive and open most zoo staff are.

Failing this, then I'd turn to local animal rights groups.

Good luck. Keep me posted.

Answer 2

Contact the zoo with a specific list of grievances, and send a copy to the National Humane Society.

Zoos started as a place for the wealthy to come ogle collections of wildlife from around the world. Many have stepped up and away from that start, which was not species-friendly in respect to enclosures and distance from the crowd and in other areas. Improved zoos have larger enclosures with areas the animals can go to when they are stressed, or to avoid stress, which means visitors may not always get a good look, but the animals are happier.

Zoos are a mixed bag. There are many examples of "living dead" in zoos; animals no longer found in the wild but that remain on the planet in zoos. They can accomplish some great research but most zoos don't, they just rake in the cash.

Answer 3

Most zoos across the country are working to revamp their enclosures to improve the conditions of the animals. also, remember that the space of the enclosure that you see them in during the day is usually not the full space they have available.
Talk to the zoo first. They may desperately want to increase spacing but may need money. Maybe you could work with fund raisers to raise money to help improve the habitats.

As for the idea that Zoos are always horrid, people really should remember that there are several species that exist ONLY in zoos. Their natural habitats have been destroyed and they have no where else to go. If zoos were eliminated completely, several species would go with them. Zoos are also responsible for a lot of the breeding that is returning endangered species to the wild, such as various tiger species, wolves, Rhinos and more.

Answer 4

I would first ask the zookeepers why are these animals living the way that they are living in the zoo. If the answer is not to your satisfactory, you can start a petition for a better clean up act for the zoo so that those animals could live in a cleaner environment.You would then, present this petition to the senate of that state.
If you do not want to do all of that, you can always volunteer at the zoo.

Answer 5

Contact the Philadelphia zoo, and talk to them about the living conditions of their animals. Don't go there again..when you go to zoos and pay to get in, it's supporting the treatment of animals this way. The money goes to the zoo which will continue to treat animals this way until enough people boycott and they make no money. Simple supply and demand-if no one comes to their zoo, they'll stop it. What will happen to the animals? They'll be shipped to other zoos. Start a petition!... that shows the people who refuse to go see the caged animals, with medical problems left untreated and an insignificant amount of space. Wahoo, good thinking.

Answer 6

I agree with Lady D, some species exist only in zoos and they do help reintroduce endangered species to their natural habitat.

There are many nice zoos that have good living environments for animals. The zoo in Wichita, Kansas is one of the best zoos I have visited. I have been to about 10 zoos in many locations such as San Diego, Washington D.C., Kansas City to name a few. San Diego does a good job. Wichita is smaller, but it is well run.

Answer 7

How cool is that jay. I live in Philadelphia and also work at the Zoo. I have a seasonal position in education and am in the junior zoo apprentice program ( JZAP). I am very glad that you are asking to help us out with our goal of makings lives better for animals all around the world. However, there would have been an easier way of finding this out. You could have just ask one of our staff members. Any way, you can do a lot of stuff. Most importantly, you can write to our representatives in the congress and the house who are thinking of getting rid of endangered species act. in the future, you can not vote for a president who refers to Africa as a country, even if accidentally. You can raise awareness of today's major causes such as the destruction of the rain forests and the killing of herds of elephants in Africa for tusks.. For example, you can talk to your friends and relatives about such causes.
you can try not being a consumer of companies who destruct forests to produce their products. For example, kleneex which is cutting down ancient forests in canada to produce it's tissues. You can also help by donating to organizations such as the non-profit zoos all around the country who educate others about animals. If you have any more questions please just ask them to our proffesional staff. you can reach them at philadelphiazoo.org then click on " ask a question".

Answer 8

Call the zoo. Ask if these were temporary enclosures. If not start writing to your state reps and have them look into it. Have your friends do the same. Start a petition and send copies to local and state reps. Get your area involved.

Answer 9

You should start an orginazation and make a website about it. You could also complain to the zoo. Or you can get people to boycott the zoo but you might get sued.......

Answer 10

donate money to the zoo or contact your mayor