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World's Best Parks And Zoos

cureface — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 15:09:05 +0000

In the past, animal parks showcased glum animals trapped behind bars, pacing back and forth and sometimes causing visitors to wonder whether zoological facilities are a good thing or not. However, the modern zoological exhibit aims to be as close to a natural habitat as possible, offering visitors the ability to get up close to exotic animals, which don't appear to be caged but are unable to leap their barricades nevertheless. As Charles Stovall of Walt Disney World says, "We don't think of it as just a zoo… it's a full-fledged theme park." In fact, Disney's Animal Kingdom is one of the most famous zoos in the world and has inspired a new ilk of animal exhibits.

It should come as no surprise that America houses many of the world's best animal habitats. In New York City, the 265-acre Bronx Zoo is home to over 6,000 animals, many of which are on the endangered species list. The Bronx has been operating its animal center since 1889 as the largest of the metropolitan animal parks and was the first place to house (and breed) rare snow leopards. Additionally, it's the first park to house a predator-prey animal exhibit, where lions and gazelles are separated merely by dry moats, and it was also the first zoological center to host an educational program. Visitors love the Wild Asia tramway monorail, the indoor JungleWorld display and the 6.5-acre Congo Monkey Forest, which is the largest man-made rainforest in the world. Guests will also see a number of babies at this bustling breeding facility, including dwarf mongoose, lemur, okapi, sea lion, rhino, lion and pit viper species.

The Philadelphia Zoo is one of the modern animal parks to embrace natural habitat design. Its cage-less model offers rare views of giant Rodrigues fruit bats, naked mole rats, blue-eyed lemurs, tree kangaroos, black jaguars, amur tigers, red pandas, clouded leopards, warthogs, reticulated giraffes, giant anteaters and other rare animals. The Philadelphia facility offers a number of kids' programs and also houses the nation's best animal hospital facility. They are the only zoological park that breeds giant otters in North America. Their McNeil Bird House features two species that are extinct in the wild: the Guam rail and the Micronesian kingfisher.

There are also a number of European animal parks that make the list of the world's best foreign zoos. The Basel Zoo in Switzerland hosts more than 6,000 animals and 600 species, including the dwarf hippopotami, scarab beetles and Nile crocodiles, as well as a number of baby animals born at their breeding program, such as cheetahs, Indian rhinoceros, pygmy hippos and Somali wild asses. Beauval Zoo in France began in 1980 as an aviary with 2,000 birds but later introduced over 4,000 exotic animals like red kangaroos, West Indian manatees, tarsiers, toucans, white lions, white leopards and gorillas.

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Zoos And Cruelty of Wild Animals

cureface — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 06:42:28 +0000

When you visit the zoo to see wild animals, you are usually caught up with excitement at this rare ability to view such exotic animals and endangered species. However, animal rights activists argue that you are contributing to the suffering of animals by supporting these cruel facilities. A lifetime in captivity is similar to prisons, some say, and the animals that are held there can't communicate their discontent. Occasionally, an animal gets fed up and strikes a zoo keeper or attempts a daring escape only to be shot down later. These are the few who tried to say "Stop," but we simply didn't listen.

Organizations like Animal Liberation Victoria rigorously debate zoos as positive forces of change. They argue that only 120 out of 5,926 endangered species are in breeding programs in zoos, not to mention animals like elephants and pandas are difficult to breed in captivity. Small populations may resort to inbreeding, which produces weaker offspring. The lack of survival instincts, poaching and habitat destruction threatens the survival of re-introduced wild animals anyway. Therefore, the argument that these animal exhibits promote conservation of exotic animals is a myth, ALV of Australia argues.

Another claim by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums is that their programs provide an opportunity for people to see, learn and contribute to the preservation of wild animals. However, ALV members believe that keeping animals locked up is no way to create an animal exhibit! This unfair captivity even distorts the animals' behavior and doesn't really give humans a realistic glimpse of these animals' true natures. Arguably, a nature documentary or a book would give people the most accurate portrayal of a wild animal's life.

"Freedom is the last, best hope of the Earth," said Abraham Lincoln. The concept of freedom is a universal and enduring one. The idea that this freedom shouldn't apply to wild animals because they are "subservient" to man is wrong. This devaluing of exotic animals' lives has undeniably contributed to countless animal deaths and habitat destruction. Each year, so much public money is poured into zoos, many of which can't possibly sustain themselves, given rising costs and debts. Organizations like ALV and PETA argue that this money is much better spent on preserves, anti-poaching efforts, habitat conservation and lobbying efforts.

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Zoo Education Programs

cureface — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 06:33:17 +0000

Just about every local zoo offers some sort of zoo education program for students, parents, teachers and individuals who are interested in animals, conservation efforts or the zoo keeper's daily tasks. Sometimes you can get a glimpse of animals moving about at night, while other times you can try your hand at creating your own zoo animal exhibit. There are activities, tours and special lectures for visitors of all ages. Read on about some of the best animal education programs.

A London Zoo has recently received two awards for its zoo education programs. In 2004, the United Kingdom's Chester Zoo won the Sandford Award (run by The Council for Environmental Education). Judges called the Chester zoological park "an excellent resource" and said that "nothing could compare to seeing live, wild animals at close quarters." In 2009, the zoo won this same award again. Zoo head of Discovery and Learning, Stephen McKeown, explained: "The awards take into account our whole approach to conservation education, including taught educational discovery programs for schools, interactive materials, award-winning signage at animal enclosures around the zoo and extensive library facilities. What makes us different from a normal classroom is the environment we occupy and the 7,000 animals within it. Seeing and handling things from live snakes to snake skins and exploring the x-rays of animals opens up a whole new world that more and more students are now taking advantage of." The Chester Zoo is just one of many parks offering unprecedented access to exotic animals.

The Oregon Zoo hosts a number of special zoo education programs for children and families. For instance, "Messy Animal Art" is a $22 two-hour program for pre-school kids (ages 3-5), which gives them a tour of the animal exhibits, sing songs, participation in art activities and eating snacks. Similarly, the $22 "Zoo Experiences" program involves a zoo tour, reading a story, having a snack and taking home a special memento. The "Family Camperoo" is a popular program ($45 adults, $30 kids) that lasts from 4pm until 9am and lets families see what the animals are up to at night; breakfast, dinner and campfire stories are also included. Day Camp experiences involve petting zoos, crafts, snacks and special tours. Special zoo events revolving around endangered species conservation are also available each month. To register for some of Oregon's programs, visit www.oregonzoo.org.

Zoo education programs are ideal for regular visitors who are looking for a special tour or activity that goes over-and-beyond the typical tour. Whether it's dining at the zoo or staying the night, these programs are designed to captivate anyone's attention, no matter if you're 30 or 3. More often than not, you can register for these special zoo activities online at the zoo's website, which is a convenient way to secure your position and avoid disappointment. Special discounts are available for zoo members.

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