I know I usually share news about vegan events, products, tips and tricks on this blog, but I figured I'd shake things up by discussing something I've been passionate about for most of my life: animal welfare. More specifically, let's talk about how uncool zoos are.
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but despite the cute marketing and the utopian image presented by countless ad campaigns for local zoos, zoos aren't so great for the animals who live there. If you're looking for a fun way to learn about animals and are concerned about their welfare, you might want to rethink your usual day trip to the Calgary Zoo. With documentaries like Black Fish and Earthlings, we've learned that it is without a doubt inhumane to confine wild animals to unnaturally small spaces and to exploit their livelihoods.
And while zoos and aquariums provide the opportunity to teach the general public about the exotic animals they share this planet with, the basic vegan tenet of avoiding and boycotting the harm and exploitation of sentient beings should ring loud and clear when considering visiting the zoo.
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| How cute is this guy? If this face isn't enough to get you to boycott zoos and support animal sanctuaries, I dunno what will. Creative Commons photo via Ontario SPCA |
