A rare rant from me but I have to get it off my chest. On behalf of science and scientists can we please chill with the Sea World wise cracks? Zoos and aquariums – including their entertainment venues – are the only way most people are going to learn about the natural world and the animals that populate it. Fewer people will go hiking and camping than will go to a nice tourist attraction such as Sea World to learn and be wowed by nature’s wonders.
That’s not to mention the fact that you’re subtly discouraging amazing career options for young people who read your posts and comments. Watching a documentary pales in comparison to seeing these great creatures up close with your own eyes so let’s be respectful please.
End of rant. Rest in peace Dawn Brancheau, Sea World trainer.
Amen.
Getting out in nature (hiking, camping) and visiting zoos are both excellent ways to learn more about the world around us, and each brings its own strong points. Observing animals in their natural habitat allows us a glimpse into their daily lives, while visiting a zoo gives us some more in-depth information about an animal’s life, diet, and role in its habitat. A zoo also lets us see those animals that we may never get to meet in the wild.
A few years ago I read a book that (forgive the hyperbole) really changed the way I see zoos and their missions. It’s titled “Sailing With Noah: Stories from the World of Zoos”, by Jeffrey P. Bonner, a former director of the St. Louis Zoo.
I’m going to have to look that one up in my local library.
Some of my fondest memories are of working at the St. Louis Zoo. Few things besides being a PBS documentary junkie solidified my decision to pursue the sciences.
Thanks for the book reference.