I've always been wary of the zoo. I hate the idea of imprisoning all those animals, especially exotic ones, that must be bewildered as to how they wound up on the outskirts of Scarborough. But after visiting the Metro Toronto Zoo yesterday, I understand that even though it's awful to see a 1000-pound polar bear looking positively lethargic in a small enclosure, these animals are ambassadors for their species; promoting conservation and a greater respect for their freer brethren. Most of the creatures at the zoo are handicapped or otherwise debilitated anyway (eagles that can't fly, the cheetah with one eye, etc), and wouldn't be able to survive in the wild on their own.
Even though most of the information accompanying the animals seems (and looks) outdated, its power is undeniable in the shadow of the species we're affecting. I knew long ago that rainforests the world over are being slashed and burned to make way for cattle grazing - but when you see the majesty of the gorillas, orangutans, tigers and even snakes that it's exterminating - it's the kind of sight that could compel me to swear off beef. Apparently, it takes 44 square feet of rainforest to produce just one hamburger patty from cows that graze where the forest used to be - the same beef that's regularly used in fast food chains. The scale of destruction we've inflicted on the biosphere really moved me, and combined with my efforts to eat healthier, I can say that's it for me eating fast food. From now on, when I eat beef, I'm going to know where it comes from, and it better be a Canadian farm.
But enough of my lefty rant. Enjoy these zoo pictures here!
3 comments:
Sadly, it's not just rainforests that get fucked by meat eating. Raising animals for consumption takes up an ungodly amount of natural resources, mostly in the form of vegetation fed to the animals. In my mind, meat-eating and plastic bags are two of the most unneccesary strains on the environment there are.
Small family farms will soon be extinct and all of our meat will come from factory farms.
Zoos are also pretty important for research and rehabilitation. It's tough to not oppose many of them, most are really just there for exhibition and entertainment.
I'm surprised the info at the TO zoo is outdated. It's considered one of the better/progressive ones in North America, along with the one in San Diego.
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