End of an era: How do you feel about the closing of zoos?
You were warned about the riding of elephants in Southeast Asia, of how locals tied and beat these mammals without any remorse. But it didn't cross your mind when you rode one in Bali. In fact, you cherished the image of the elephant wading through the river. (You still haven't figured out where the camera was hidden.) And then you did it again during your few days in Krabi. It wasn't far from the Tiger Cave Temple, which your mates were curious to explore. (You did the right thing not to go along with them, as they gave a grimace of pain a few hours later. Leg cramps, without a doubt.) Not that you were insensitive to their plight, but this could be the way of living for some locals. Unless they find alternative means of living, then expect more elephants to be used to promote tourism in this part of the world.
Come to think of it, an elephant seemed to be a sacred animal in Buddhist culture. It wouldn't surprise you that tying and beating were employed for centuries. You tried to think of other (possible) ways to tame an elephant, but you couldn't name one. An elephant is not the kind of animal that likes to please humans. And it's pretty obvious that its size won't make him (or her) an ideal companion pet. Why were you thinking about elephants on a Saturday afternoon? You have a deadline to beat.
Professor Simmons gave an interesting lecture last week. How do we felt about the closing of zoos? It happened that we were discussing "Planet of the Apes", Pierre Boulle's complex, if not fascinating, novel about the human race and primates. Several chapters described how a trio of scientists reached a planet inhabited by primates. They were caged, used as specimen by the more intelligent apes. Pavlov's method was used, which piqued your curiosity. Was this an illustration of Darwin's theory of evolution? No one answered it, as the topic drifted to the closing of Bronx Zoo five years ago.
End of an era?
Charles Siebert wrote an essay about its closing, which he would call the end of an era. There was no doubt about more Americans becoming politically correct, and in this case, they wanted animals in captivity to return to the wild. These mammals have feelings. On the other hand, frantic measures were taken to ensure that their natural habitat won't be wiped out decades from now. And then there's the issue about mass tourism.
How would you feel about the closing of zoos? You were rather saddened about it, but you were wary to reveal your feelings. You learned about different animals, and you couldn't afford to travel to Africa (to know more about them). Moreover, you would look at a zoo as a modern counterpart of Noah's Ark. It was a ridiculous thought, but only a movie would show the extinct species. (Your coursemate told you about "Ice Age 5: Collision Course", but you feigned interest in it.) Let nature take its course, but human action would be another thing.
Overpopulation, which could lead to urbanization. And this would threaten what remained of the natural habitat. You shuddered at the thought of living in India. (You don't want to see a cobra in your own restroom.) In case of mass tourism, it wouldn't be better than an animal in captivity. You hate to say it, but most tourists won't be sensitive to animals. But you were far from the wild.
