Mongoose lemur (Eulemur mongoz) with an itchy nose!
Most
wild animals require specific habitats and diets, and even the best
zoos will find it near impossible to replicate the conditions of the
wild. How do we replicate the open sky for a bald eagle?
Many
animals have been seen to have developed ‘Zoochosis:’ a term which
refers to stress behaviour exhibited by zoo animals. This can include
obsessive grooming by big cats, or repetitive pacing movements. This
stress is believed to be caused by the presence of the public, lack of
freedom, and inadequate cages.
Zoos
enable endangered animals to be protected from predators, and humans
who hunt animals for commodities such as fur and medicines.
With
the recent extinction of the Pinta giant tortoise, conservationists
need to be creative to protect all life. Some species are so rare that
they are only seen every few years. The Asian unicorn or saola has only
been seen 4 times since it was discovered in 1992. (Image taken at
the Darwin Station- Galapagos 2013)
Zoos
have an important role in educating the public; helping them to
appreciate wild animals up close. What are your thoughts?
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