Difficult one that!

I have no problem taking the youngest out into the country to see free range pigs, sheep, horses, and beasts but even though he loves to see lions n tigers on the tellybox I don't know if I could visit a zoo with him.

The last Zoo I visited was in 1973 in Copenhagen, but I preferred the nearby funfair.

I love the Penguins and elephants at Belfast Zoo.

Aww there are penguins @ Marwell too! I right love all the animals!! I can't wait!!!!

 

I think Lil Gyps will be excited , but because we are not sure yet what day we will go, I've not told her!

To answer Part 2, as a child I loved seeing the big cats.

I hate to see animals in zoos....doesn't matter how comfy man makes them nor how much space...tis so not the same as seeing them in the wild.....and I know we keep animals to protect them...but feck! I'd rather lock up the heathens that disrespect animal life than the animals themselves ! 

 

Cepting spiders! you kin cage as many a they buggers as ya like!!!! 

I'm with Slim - except I prefer spiders to be taken outside whilst I stay inside screaming

I see your point thinbush but what about those people who will never be able to travel to see these animals in the wild?  

David Attenborough !!!

Why else did God create such a man??

in a cage outside Pengee 

 

S'not the same though, is it? Its all digital, sometimes its nice to see them in the flesh, as long as they're treated with care 

 

Oh and i agree about the bastard spiders.

Absolutely not the same you are so right!

I get wot you say about folk not seeing them for real Rawks...but tbh...I would rather most folk not see them than have them caged ...sorry mate! 

I remember seeing the polar bears in south park prior to a circus circa 1960 odd. It was explained to me that they were showing signs of extreme stress. That was it for me really. Circuses have gone but I've never been a big fan of zoos since those days. I'm also at ease with the idea that I will never see these animals in the wild.

*hmmm the force is strong with this one*

 

Okay then, what about rescue Zoo's that've rescued animals from Circus's and stuff?

I tend to echo your sentiment GJ 

I'd definitely rather watch animals in the wild, on my telly box. Zoos should only be about conservation and homing rescued animals, who can't be released into the wild.

 

I love spiders, but have never seen them do anything interesting in zoos.

 

I KNEW YOU WOULD ALL TURN AGAINST ME!!!!! 

 

*prepares flouncing thread*

 

Absolutely agree with any organisation that rescues animals...as long as they move those animals on as far as they can go...ie...if they can be returned to the wild then ..yes!

if not then a good animal sanctuary will suffice, in the hope a wild living will be their final rest...

I know I have high hopes...but man does have this capability! ...such a shame some man behaves so ignorantly of life!

*grabs popcorn*

 

And you've made my list missy!! 

Get in line pal ! 

 

 Exposing yourself!!??!? well, i shouldn't be shocked, what with someone of your class 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am indeed tolerant 

 

Silly sod! 

 

In all honesty Rawks...you've been out there & seen the real deal....what would be your preference hey ??

 

Well, yes, of course seeing them in their natural habitat is the best way, and I was very fortunate enough to be able to do that. But i feel for people who aren't able to travel abroad, its all very well seeing them on't telly but to see them in the flesh is a bonus.

Yes!...but are they the same in a caged environment....you would know...and what would you prefer....I'm sorry...but I don't get that folk are more important than an animal in it's own habitat....who the feck are we to decide where they live!!!

Poachers & destroyers of habitat...should be caged & pointed at!  IMHO! 

 

And NO I am not a vegetarian.....not quite anyways! 

My children used to go to Marwell Zoo on school trips.... many moons ago

*flounces*

 

 ........Ya big girls blouse! 

 

Love the dress btw ...very you! 

I know

Howletts Zoo in Kent part of the Aspinall foundation - the gorillas are amazing - I love that Zoo - I could spend forever watching the gorilla families at play (there are gorgeous tigers, giraffes, elephants etc. too)

Are you having a problem showing it off...you kin prance round the forum....the ladies would love the laff  you to exhibit your talents 

zazz: You're totally planning on bringing a cat home from the zoo, aren't you? 

Well,you know Lori, if one of the baybee snow leopards were to acidently land up in the car, what can you do?! I WOULD BLOODY LOVE ONE!!!!!!1

its hard going getting up to the elephants at Belfast, but well worth it, i was invited "behind the scenes" (as I was a volunteer at another zoo when I visited Belfast) and met the elephants, it was great

i do agree, and so would the majority of keepers that work at zoo's - animals should be in their natural habitat

 

but if their natural habitat is ruined by man, i think we owe it to them to keep the species alive so they don't become extinct and hopefully, one day animals in danger of becoming extinct can thrive again

 

all good zoo's now take part in a breeding programme, moving animals around zoo's to keep a good bloodline of each breed - they put animals back into the wild (although I do agree, not enough of them), but good zoo's also send keepers out to work with the native people to find ways that they can all live together

 

e.g. people kill elephants cos they raid their crops, zoo's have developed systems to keep the elephants away

 

i know i sound like i am "bigging up zoo's", but must admit that i have been to some enclosures at certain zoo's in the uk where i have stood and cried looking at the animals in there, it breaks my heart to see them looking so miserable

 

We took our grandsons last year,hot clammy day,1 tired 3 year old who ended up being carried,1 chunky 1 year old in a stroller which had bags etc on it too, exhausting .Here's a pic of the elephants Barney,thought you might like to see them.

I love the penguins in any zoo. 

I took pics of the penguins that day we went but can't find them atm.

I don't like zoo's 

 

Here, let me help.

This was taken at the Edinburgh Zoo, when we were there in 2006. Bunches more where this photo came from.