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London zoo

Yesterday a gorilla escaped from its cage whilst the zoo was open they were advising the people in the zoo that if they come face to face with the silver back don't look it in the eyes. Now I don't know about you, but that's the last place I'll be looking as I'm running out the gate. The last time I went there the animals looked all drugged up and it was very costly to get in. I think it's about time we done away with zoo's and returned the animals back to the wild where they belong .. what do you think?


Created By on 15/10/2016

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Bluekat
16th Oct 2016 15:15:43
2
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Returning to the wild::they would not survive long as most have been bred in captivity. Also have been kept for breeding to prevent the species dying out - man's contribution to conservation which wouldn't have been necessary if habitats had not been ravaged in the first place for greed.
Response from Wilf made on 16th Oct 2016 16:53:46
Iagree but the problem is the population globally is rising and we need to look after our wildlife. The solution is to get more people into cities and preserve the wilderness of the world
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Mollflanders
17th Oct 2016 17:58:25
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I think they are safer where they are. Well fed and looked after by caring people. The wild is just that. Even though there are dedicated people going out and about every day lots of animals still end up dead, adorning someone's mantlepiece or pieces of them being bought in one of China's 'medicine markets'. It's big business. I do think that chimps shouldn't be put on view though. The ones I have seen definitely do not enjoy being stared at. Would you?
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Silversurfers Editor
16th Oct 2016 19:11:34
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Feel free to join in the debate on our Speakers Corner page too 🙂 https://www.silversurfers.com/speakers-corner/do-city-zoos-still-have-a-place-in-a-modern-society/
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Bluekat
16th Oct 2016 18:35:25
1
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There are of course the wildlife parks like Longleat where the animals roam in large areas and are sheltered in winter. They have bred over 100 giraffe calves of a rare strain.
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Terrysoldgal
15th Oct 2016 15:55:32 (Last activity: 16th Oct 2016 18:14:33)
2
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I agree with you that animals and birds belong free and uncaged. I haven't visited a zoo in ages because I do not want to support them and believe it is inherently and morally wrong to capture or breed animals that should be out running free.
Response from Wilf made on 15th Oct 2016 16:16:16
I think we will ban all zoos apart from protecting and breeding rare species in the next 50 years
Response from MrsPat made on 16th Oct 2016 18:14:33
I totally agree and I have not been since my kids weer round. Even then I was worried about many of the animals especially intelligent ones like gorillas and elephants
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Craftyfox
15th Oct 2016 19:09:30 (Last activity: 16th Oct 2016 18:13:31)
2
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Somebody makes lots of £££'s out of them, somewhere. So why should they care about the poor animals.
Response from jeanmark made on 15th Oct 2016 19:50:10
I believe people working in zoos do care for the welfare of the animals and shouldn't be confused with those who own a zoo.
Response from Wilf made on 15th Oct 2016 19:58:28
I now feel that keeping any animals in zoos is really cruel
Response from jeanmark made on 15th Oct 2016 20:02:55
I agree Wilf but that may be the only option open to some species to ensure survival. Maybe zoos should be abolished and just allow a number of species to die out often as a result of our interference?
Response from MrsPat made on 16th Oct 2016 18:13:31
They should care as they are wonderful creatures and we need to respect them. I am sure there will be no zoos in 100 years time
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londy66
15th Oct 2016 18:52:13 (Last activity: 16th Oct 2016 18:12:40)
1
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I think it is morally wrong to keep animals in zoos to be gawped at, especially the likes of Gorillas! If you were given the option to live a long, unhappy, life in a cage,because it would be safe, or to live a normal life, with it's good and bad times, which would you choose?
Response from Wilf made on 15th Oct 2016 19:59:39
I totally agree. Its like the killer whales kept in pools have been shown to affect them mentally. We have seen elephants just swinging their heads in zoos...its really sad. They should be in africa
Response from jeanmark made on 15th Oct 2016 19:59:56
I think you will find many are not able to live a happy and 'normal' life because humans have decimating their environment or killed them for pleasure or their own survival.
Response from jeanmark made on 15th Oct 2016 20:05:35
I agree with regard to killer whales but elephants continue be poached despite the magnificent efforts of many to protect their survival.
Response from MrsPat made on 16th Oct 2016 18:12:40
I totally agree with you. No wonder the gorilla went mad its the same as keeping a dog (but 10x as clever) in a cage -it would go crazy with boredom
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anf1408
16th Oct 2016 14:13:41 (Last activity: 16th Oct 2016 15:38:32)
2
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It's an interesting debate. Clearly the treatment of animals as exhibition pieces in zoos is unacceptable, but where do we draw the line. Almost any animal that comes into contact with man is exploited by humans to some degree, be it a cow which has been bred for its milk or its meat, a horse whose existence depends on its willingness to be ridden, or cats or dogs which have become domesticated over generations to provide companionship for their owners, or even just to be shown at events such as Crufts to win prizes. Obviously the treatment of the cow is very questionable, but simply because the others, such as cats and dogs, are treated more humanely (note the word) are we still not altering the way the species exists for our own selfish purposes?

Also, does this not have an impact on other species? For example, breeds of certain species of garden bird have been decimated by a population of domestic cats which has been artificially created by mankind. So, are we being cruel to birds?

Please don't get me wrong here. I'm not saying people should not own animals, I just find the whole topic of animal cruelty a very complicated and fascinating issue. As somebody who has never been a pet owner or closely involved with animals, I was just wondering where those who are much closer to animals draw the line between what is wrong and right in mankinds relationship with other living creatures.
Response from jeanmark made on 16th Oct 2016 15:11:06
What an interesting perspective anf1408 and surely adds interest to the debate.
Response from Wilf made on 16th Oct 2016 15:38:32
I do think we should put small bells or a collar on cats that lets birds know when they are around...wild birds are being decimated by cats
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jeanmark
15th Oct 2016 18:29:28 (Last activity: 16th Oct 2016 13:32:53)
0
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I don't approve of zoos but like Wilf believe it is often the only way we can save endangered species. Humans are decimating much of their habitat and zoos may be their only option. How else can we see these beautiful creatures?
Response from Treehugger1 made on 15th Oct 2016 19:47:41
So you feel that we should keep animals in unnatural conditions for our pleasure Jeanmark?
Response from jeanmark made on 15th Oct 2016 19:56:39
That's not what I said, my point was these places are often the only way certain species can be saved or are you not aware of how many species are becoming extinct because humans have taken over their environment. The welfare of the animal should be paramount and keeping them in unnatural surroundings may be the only way we can ensure their future. I agree it would be much better to allow them their freedom but as a species we have ensured that isn't possible.
Response from Wilf made on 15th Oct 2016 20:00:16
I agree Jean we should protect the very endangered species but please please give them more room and space
Response from jeanmark made on 15th Oct 2016 20:06:41
i certainly agree with that sentiment Wilf.
Response from Treehugger1 made on 15th Oct 2016 20:25:17
I'm afraid I disagree with you both. There is no need to protect a species from being endangered if it means they are suffering and living in unnatural habitats just so that we can pat ourselves on the back and say we 'saved' them. Why and for what; so that their suffering continues and we feel virtuous? They don't deserve to be treated this way, it's not fair and they have no dignity nor quality of life.
Response from londy66 made on 16th Oct 2016 12:55:01
Treehugger1, speaking as someone who sometimes despairs of the human race, and their arrogance and attitude to all life but their own, you have brightened my day with your intelligent, compassionate attitude! Thank you.
Response from jeanmark made on 16th Oct 2016 13:24:47
Maybe you are right Treehugger1, I had not thought of it in those terms and I have also been fortunate enough to see these beautiful animals in their natural habitat so why should I worry.
Response from jeanmark made on 16th Oct 2016 13:32:53
Incidentally Treehugger1, how do you define 'quality of life'? So many people use this expression, but what do they actually mean? My youngest step-granddaughter has severe special needs and requires 24 hour care and attention. I am surprised when we have taken her out in her wheelchair the number of people who have told us we had no right to allow her to live because she has no quality of life!
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