Zoos across the country often get a bad rep and carry a stigma that " zoos are harmful". Truth is, proper zoos carry so much more benefits for both the animals and humans. Of course, there are bad zoos, but they can't set an example of how most proper zoos are and what they do for their communities. I took all of the following images at the Toledo Zoo.
1. Zoos establish breeding programs!
Elephant from the Toledo Zoo.
This ensures that the species is breeding properly and that their population continues to carry on. Sometimes it just isn't possible for the animal to find a mate or survive at all in the wild by itself. The staff will ensure that the animals get proper medical care and that the breeding is correct so that the population can continue to grow and thrive. In some cases, this lets the population reestablish itself if the species is endangered.
2. Zoos provide viewing and educational opportunities!
Stingray from the Toledo Zoo.
The animals under zoo care are cared for top notch. Humans can view the animal and often hear mini presentations or read posters on the wall about the animal. The educational opportunities eliminate the need for people to hunt the animal or capture them with the desire to learn about it themselves.
3. Zoos provide a source of relaxation!
Jelly Fish from the Toledo Zoo.
People often find it relaxing to go to the zoo. The friendly and clean atmosphere is always enjoyable. Whether you like land or sea animals, there is always an enclosure for you to visit. Just taking a step back and observing an interesting species can be relaxing, like watching the graceful jelly fish.
4. Zoos provide safety to animals!
Fish from the Toledo Zoo.
Often times animals found in the zoo are endangered. The zoos provide shelter and safety to them along with its other residents. If the endangered animals weren't in the zoo, they would be at risk out in the real world. They could be hunted or become ill. The zoo protects and cares for animals.
5. Zoos tailor the enclosure for the resident!
Sloth from the Toledo Zoo.
Each enclosure at the zoo is made for the resident occupying it. This helps make sure the animal's living necessities are met to the fullest extent. That way, the animal can thrive in it's living space. Here, the sloth lives alone in peace and quiet. That is how the sloth likes to live.
6. Zoos provide unique opportunities!
Bird from the Toledo Zoo
The Zoo provides both the animals and humans with unique experiences. Here, animals and humans can interact with each other safely, that isn't likely in the wild. Before I snapped this photo, this bird was flying above my head. If he (or she) wanted to, the bird could have landed right on my shoulder.
7. Zoos provide community!
Lemurs from the Toledo Zoo.
The animals often live with or near others of the same species. This gives them the ability to make a community for themselves. The zoo also gives it's staff the sense of community. Visitors also feel a sense of belonging when they come to visit- like its a community within the city!
8. Zoos provide valuable knowledge!
Orangutan from the Toledo Zoo.
Zoos often provide lectures or valuable posters to educate the human community. Zoos are also a welcoming place for researches to come and study the animals. As you can tell, photographers like me also take advantage of the zoo's perks!
9. Zoos provide an alternate perspective!
Gorilla from the Toledo Zoo
When we are up close and personal, we see things differently versus if we were watching them on television. We can see why an animal might react in such a way or how they see things. This enables us to feel more empathetic towards the animal.
10. Zoos connect the past and the present!
Galapagos Tortoise from the Toledo Zoo
The zoo can help connect the past and the present. Zoo staff educate visitors about an animals' history and how we affected the animals' historical time lines. The tortoise pictured is nearly 100 years old. He is part of the past, yet still here in the present. The zoo keeps him safe and healthy.
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