Yesterday we learned the sad news… a newborn giraffe died suddenly just one week after being born at a California zoo. Understandably, zoo officials are shocked and saddened at this unexpected death. But this incident raises logical questions.
[teaserbreak]
The most obvious question is why do zoos continue to exist? Are they really serving a purpose beyond human entertainment? Giraffes are large mammals. According to the article, the giraffe was already galloping on spindly legs around her indoor enclosure and “already doing everything a giraffe is supposed to do”. And what exactly does that mean? How can such a large animal actually “gallop” around an indoor enclosure? A female giraffe can grow to the height of 14 feet and weigh easily 1,800 pounds. They roam large areas grazing in their native habitat. The modern zoo made good efforts to replicate a creature’s native habitat on a small scale, but there is so much more to these creatures than just attempting to provide a reasonably authentic but greatly limited environment. Grazing animals like the giraffe wreak havoc with vegetation in the wild. They consume it and move on–but nature will replenish it as time passes. In a captive environment, this vegetation must be provided artificially. A necropsy is being conducted on the deceased calf. First indications show the calf was experiencing seizure-like behavior, and then collapsed. Was her compound hiding a potentially fatal bacteria or virus? We do know that three of this mother giraffe’s previous offspring failed to survive. Perhaps she is “genetically flawed”.
Life in the wild is difficult — fraught with many dangers — mostly from natural predators, and man, who continues to poach African wildlife at an alarming rate. Nature, too, is a harsh task-master. Only the strongest animals survive to sexual maturity and reproduce. Nature selects those who can run faster, jump higher and essentially prevail. We must ask: “What do zoos require of each animal?” That it must adapt and not become insane in captivity, tolerate crowds of people watching, and eat food provided by humans.
Zoos and their supporters will continue to argue that this baby’s chance for survival might have been even less living in the wild but that certainly doesn’t justify the captive breeding and keeping of these creatures simply for our pleasure.
Born Free USA’s main objective is to protect wildlife — including highly endangered species — in their natural habitats, and encourage compassionate conservation globally. When incidents like this one occur, it serves to challenge zoos throughout the world to question their keeping of wild animals in captivity and step up their efforts for conservation and protection of species in the wild.
No one wants to imagine a world without wildlife but the alternative — their existence in captivity, only — is unthinkable. The problems affecting wildlife and nature continue to revolve around culture and values. Until mankind addresses them head on and with a combination of monetary support and education we will continue to confront similar sad occurrences.
Everything was once a thought. What are your thoughts? Put them in an e-mail, or write a personal note and send it to your elected officials. Let us know, too! Who knows? Perhaps you just might have an idea that has not yet been considered? And, please continue to generously support our ongoing efforts to protect and save wildlife. We couldn’t do this work without your commitment and generosity.
Til next time,
Susan