Zoos Need Renovations

So, there's an article on CNN. There's a new debate over zoos. Seems captivity in cramped cement quarters causes many animals to go wacko. Hmm..no surprise there! It's kinda like what prison is for humans. I've always loved zoos, because it's the only place I can see these special animals. But, these zoos are no place for animals. The majority of zoos make a pitiful attempt at recreating natural habitat. Throwing a few plants on top of some concrete and creating a 10x10 wading pool does not constitute adequate living quarters. Of course, mankind did not figure this out until 2005 because mankind is, as always, blinded by its own needs and wants. Zoo keepers and administrators argue that we need zoos because these animals in the wild are slowly dying out. This is true. So, what to do? I propose we get rid of the current zoos and create 5 to 10 very large zoos situated in different regions of the country. Each zoo should be large enough to accomodate the animals. I don't mean in little, tiny, barred cages. There should be wide open ranges and grasslands for the animals to walk and run across....large waterholes and small lakes. Areas should be fenced and barred off, but should be natural (no cement floors for elephants)and spacious. Smaller, harmless animals could be viewed relatively closeup, while large and dangerous animals could be viewed from the safety of a safari-like tram. What better way to view the animals than in their "own environment"? Zoos could even tout these as safari adventures without the plane ticket to Africa.

Of course, this will probably never happen. At least not until some money-greedy investor notices the novelty and profit-making potential of it.