Editor: In response to the letter: “Visit to the zoo depressing experience,” (The Times, Aug. 14), it’s unfortunate that the gate greeter was texting and chewing gum. Complain to the management there.
Zoos are educational. And we can learn empathy and compassion for other species besides ourselves. The general admission price of $22.50 and food prices are not that much, considering that a great part of that money probably goes towards building and maintaining those “cool enclosures,” specific diets and medical supplies. It’s all about the money. It has to come from somewhere.
Alberta is a very wealthy province, considering the oil sands. Perhaps some of the oil sands money helps out many organizations such as the Calgary Zoo. Unfortunately, we don’t have oil sands here.
I’ve been to the Greater Vancouver Zoo many times with friends, and we enjoy ourselves. Zoos have their place in today’s society. Some species of animals don’t have much time on this planet, because of man’s encroaching into their space.
As long as the care and treatment is under the watchful eye of the SPCA, it’s all good. Maybe animals don’t have the capability to show “happiness” like we do.
Animals pass away in captivity and in the wild and are left alone. Wild spaces are growing smaller all over this planet.
I like to suggest to people who complain about animals shut in cages and look sad, that they try volunteering for awhile. It’s rewarding and you learn a lot.
Zoos and wildlife societies need our help. You can make a difference in an animal’s life. Humans are taking over and soon the only place you’ll see animals is in zoos.
Take some time to roll up your sleeves and help out, and learn something about the wildlife which is under-appreciated. Because at the rate global warming is happening, most wildlife will be wiped out.
I went online to check, and the Calgary Zoo general admission is $21 —not much less than our admission here. If the ducks that were enclosed are common to this area, they can fly and they can land anywhere. It could mean they like the zoo and want to be there.
G.C. Hawrychuk,
Langley