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Petting Zoos

What do you think of animals in zoos?

I have to write a paper on this and was wondering on what others thought. I really don't think it is right, they are living beings like you and me, yet it is wrong if I lock another human in a cage. Unless it is to save the animal's life, we have no right to do this. I went to the petting zoo at the fair a few weeks ago and they had a kangaroo pinned in a cage so small that all it could do was lay there and it looked so sad...I mean this is wrong! What do you say?

Unless you want numerous endangered species to become extinct, zoos are nothing short of essential. Their main function is conservation. Without captive breeding, many endangered species would now be extinct - for example, the golden lion tamarin, red wolf and Przewalski's horse. I am not for a moment suggesting that we should stop trying to protect animals' natural habitats, but if endangered species were to become extinct in the wild (which sadly seems quite likely in the near future), zoos will have preserved them for future generations, with enough genetic diversity that the possibility for reintroduction to the wild exists. In my opinion it would be unforgivable to allow tigers, pandas and so on to become extinct because they were wiped out in the wild due to hunting, habitat loss, etc., and people did not want to see them in captivity. Would you like to have explain to your children or grandchildren that they will never see a tiger except in pictures, because you disagreed with zoos? I certainly wouldn't.

Zoos are also vital for education, enabling people to see beautiful wild animals that they would never otherwise get to see - seeing an animal in the flesh has a much greater impact than seeing one in a picture or on TV. - and teaching them about the threats to their species, which hopefully encourages them to respect and protect animals. The money they bring in is used to pay for the animals' food and care and to fund breeding programmes, as well as the employees' wages. Some also goes towards funding the protection of animals in the wild, and their habitats.

It's true that captive conditions in the past were often cruel, the animals being kept in cramped cages and so on, and indeed this is sometimes still the case in some countries, but in civilised countries zoos are carefully regulated - the animals are kept in conditions as close as possible to their natural habitat, with plenty of space, good diets and immediate medical care if they need it. Everything possible is done to ensure that they don't get bored - environmental enrichment is found in all good zoos. The animals will have scenery in their enclosure, things to play with if they're a playful species, and problems to solve in order to get their food, rather than it just being dropped in front of them.

It's also important to remember that animals are not taken from the wild and 'locked up in cages'. Animals in zoos are captive-bred - they were born in captivity, as were their parents, grandparents, great-grandparents and so on. They have known nothing else, and have no idea such a thing as the wild exists, so there is no way they can miss it. They are certainly not unhappy - if they were, zoos would not achieve the breeding success they do (unhappy or unhealthy animals do not breed).

It is overly anthropomorphic to say things like 'they will never know freedom'. Freedom is a human concept - of course a human kept in one place would be miserable, but we have knowledge of the wider world outside. Animals don't - they have no knowledge of abstract concepts or things outside their own experience. They have no idea what freedom is, or that there is any other life than the one they lead. A lion in a zoo doesn't sit there thinking: "I could be in Africa hunting a wildebeest right now." It doesn't know what Africa is, or what wildebeest are. As long as an animal has a comfortable place to live, plenty of food, and the right company if it's a social species, it is content. One might even argue that they are better off in captivity, since they do not have to contend with the constant dangers of the wild - disease, injury, predation, starvation, etc. - and live much longer as a result.

Keeping Goats As Pets

Although considered a traditional farm animal, goats can be good pets at home. They are friendly, curious and they make good animal companions. They are also the perennial favorite among petting zoos. With the availability of breeds such as dwarf or pygmy, keeping goats today can become an easy and enjoyable task.

Few Important Reminders

Goats are considered herd animals. Therefore, they should not be housed alone. They must be grouped in pairs or more to grow a normal life. A decent amount of yard or pasture space is necessary. The right amount of space is totally dependent on the number of goats and the kind of breed you choose to raise. Goats are best suited in the countryside as they need fresh food, air and water to normally grow.

Having goats in the city may also be prohibited by some local laws. It is necessary that you check with your local government before adopting goats.

Keeping goats means totally being prepared for a new lifestyle. Like any other pet, these animals need your love and attention. Be sure that you have someone to look after you pet goats if you leave your home.

Other Special Needs

If you wish to adopt a pet goat, remember to consider their special needs. Here is a list:

•    Proper Housing
You need an extra space at home once you decide to raise goats. You may need to move some of your things to properly accommodate your new pet. The goat best suits the outdoor environment and should therefore be placed outside your home.

However, they need to have a house that is no less than 4 square meters large. The house has to be tall enough to provide adequate space for your goats.

Additionally, keeping goats may necessitate you to create an outdoor play area where they can exercise and play around.

•    Veterinary Needs
There are veterinarians who specialize in different breeds of goats. Find one nearest your area so you can easily transport the animal whenever you need to. Remember to ask the veterinarian regarding the proper nourishment of your pet. They may recommend some feeds that can properly nurture your goats. Additionally, you can read a pet goat care book guide that will show your pet’s feeding requirements.

It is also essential to prepare your goats for vaccinations and other disease-preventive treatments. Goats are susceptible to a number of chronic and communicable diseases that can threaten and even shorten their life. So before keeping goats, consult a veterinarian for what is required in your area.

The Petting Zoo: A Novel List Price: $25.95 Sale Price: $17.13 You save: $8.82 (34%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description A moving, vividly rendered novel from the late author of The Basketball Diaries. When poet, musician, and diarist Jim Carroll died in September 2009, he was putting the finishing touches on a potent work of fiction. The Petting Zoo tells the story of Billy Wolfram, an enigmatic thirty- eight-year-old artist who has become a hot star in the late-1980s New York art scene. As the novel opens, Billy, after viewing a show of Velázquez paintings, is so humbled and awed by their spiritual power that he suffers an emotional breakdown and withdraws to his Chelsea loft. In seclusion, Billy searches for the divine spark in his own work and life. Carroll's novel moves back and forth in time to present emblematic moments from Billy's life (his Irish Catholic upbringing, his teenage escapades, his evolution as an artist and meteoric rise to fame) and sharply etched portraits of the characters who mattered most to him, including his childhood friend Denny MacAbee, now a famous rock musician; his mentor, the unforgettable art dealer Max Bernbaum; and one extraordinary black bird. Marked by Carroll's sharp wit, hallucinatory imagery, and street-smart style, The Petting Zoo is a frank, haunting examination of one artist's personal and professional struggles.

Petting Zoo Sticker Activity Book (Dover Little Activity Books) Sale Price: $1.50   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Spend an exciting day in the country at an animal park populated by a pony, cow, piglets, ducks, zoo employees, and more. 25 stickers.

Littlest Pet Shop Themed Playpacks - Petting Zoo Sale Price: $14.99   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description There's always lots to see and do down at the zoo! And this precious petting zoo is no exception. With over twenty pieces for down-on-the-farm fun, you can welcome three new pet pals into your Littlest Pet Shop collection. Care for your pets with the hairbrush and bow, giving them just the right look, and "feed" them with bowls full of pet snacks. You can even rake and bale the hay to make nice, warm beds for your starry-eyed friends. It's all in a day's play at this fun-filled zoo. Includes pig, sheep and cow pets and lots of accessories. Measures 2.25"L x 9.5"W x 8.13"H. Features Includes: Yellow Pig (#475) , White Cow (#476), Gray Lamb (#477) and lots of Accessories For age 4 and up

The Heavy-Petting Zoo Sale Price: $16.95   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 4 to 6 weeks See Reviews For This Product

Littlest Pet Shop Petting Zoo Sale Price: $25.00   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Welcome to the petting zoo playset -- a fun-filled place where pets can roam all day long. These fun-loving pets like to look their blue-ribbon best. After they're all dressed up and feelin' fancy, it's time for a yummy lunch in the great outdoors. Use your imagination for a new pet-lovin' adventure every time you play. Pets come with more than 15 pieces. Cuddliest Pets #475, #476 and #477 Features Contains three different pets and 15 different accessory parts.

Touch and Feel Petting Zoo (Touch & Feel) Sale Price: $9.95   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Fleecy lambs to pet, a pony's silky tail to brush, and a llama's soft fur to stroke: all these adorable animals and inviting textures await children in this interactive board book! Kids join a family on their very first visit to the petting zoo, where the young boy and girl get up close to the animals and make tons of furry friends. Readers can experience the same fun and excitement as they pet the animals over and over again. Features ISBN13: 9781402765247 Condition: New Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

Biscuit Visits the Petting Zoo Sale Price: $6.99   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product Description Join Biscuit for an exciting day at the petting zoo—pet all the different animals in this fun-filled touch-and-feel adventure! Features ISBN13: 9780061625206 Condition: New Notes: BRAND NEW FROM PUBLISHER! BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

Londons Times Funny Animals Cartoons - Roadkill Petting Zoo - Greeting Cards-12 Greeting Cards with envelopes List Price: $17.95 Sale Price: $15.95 You save: $2.00 (11%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Description Roadkill Petting Zoo Greeting Card is measuring 5.5w x 5.5h. Greeting Cards are sold in sets of 6 or 12. Give these fun cards to your frieds and family as gift cards, thank you notes, invitations or for any other occasion. Greeting Cards are blank inside and come with white envelopes.

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