Friday, May 4, 2012

1st Trip to the Zoo



Man, I have been slacking.  Last weekend we went to the zoo for the first time.  We were meeting up with a couple of moms from a local group I'm in.  Zoos for us...well...we're a little torn.  We're not sure we support the captivity of animals, though if done properly we support conservation efforts.  However, this was not the place for people like us to go.



We received free tickets to this small, community zoo when we bought a pair of shoes for Robby, and...we were just glad they were free.  Yes, we expected it to be small, but the animals did not seem particularly well cared for.  Chris commented how sad the elk enclosure made him because there was not a single blade of grass in the entire pen.  It was a small expanse of mud.  The only animals that seemed to be moving at all were a couple of wolves that were playing with each other.  All the cages were definitely dingy, small, and somewhat unkempt.


Robby seemed to enjoy himself, though.  Of course, he loves the pet store and dog park, too.  It was the first time he had really seen animals beyond the pet variety.  He's always really liked birds, and enjoyed watching those animals.  No fear, we will not be adding a bird to our little home zoo any time soon.  Or ever.  Not a big fan personally.



He also enjoyed going into the petting zoo, and seemed to want to pet the goats and sheep, but we didn't encourage it.

So, we got a couple cute pictures, met a few new friends, and enjoyed ourselves...but will not be returning.

And, ok, a mountain lion for Chris.

4 comments:

  1. I can relate with being torn on zoos. I grew up in San Diego, which has one of the best zoos in the world. I wasn't really aware of that growing up, so I was in for quite a shock when I visited other zoos when older. I'm currently living near Sacramento, and I can't help but feel sad for all the animals there in small enclosures w/o enough space.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Veggie mom for lifeMay 6, 2012 at 10:54 PM

    Have you seen how animals are kept in slaughterhouses and chicken factories? Some animals deserve nice digs and others are just good for dinner?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And...that would be why I was a vegetarian. Interesting that you would jump on a person when you don't know?

      Delete