...is for Under...
..a two day old elephant protected by its mother. We were so lucky to visit Whipsnade Zoo at exactly the right time to see him. It was wonderful to watch the herd, comprised of his aunties, uncles, brothers and sisters protecting him in the paddock. I have always had mixed views about Zoos. When you see animals pacing backwards and forwards in their restricting and dull pens. I only saw one animal do this in one pen at this Zoo and I saw very little evidence that it goes on in other pens, they are all huge and full of trees and other greenery. We have watched many wildlife documentaries with our children and learnt loads. This was the first time that they actually saw for real many of the animals that they have learnt so much about, it also may be the only place they see many of these animals. Are you a fan of Zoos or do you wish we didn't have them round the world?
Joining in with the Alphabet Photography Project
Open sanctuaries are definitely better than caged zoos. You caught a nice moment here! #alphabetphoto
ReplyDeleteoh a baby elephant! what a treat for the family.
ReplyDeletei have mixed feelings about zoos (but detest circuses with animals). I've visited many zoos where it's obviously a business first (Budapest, and most large city zoos) and the animals are fine enough but obviously could do with so much more. I can't feel good about seeing a lion, cheetah, or an elephant in an enclosure and other such animals that need wide open spaces. They need to stretch their legs.
But then there are zoos that do a ton of good work, in rescue, conservation and education. So it's worth researching before visiting.
The one you visited sounds good, I mean, a whole paddock for elephants is unusual. I'll keep it in mind if/when we travel up north ;)
I am not a fan of zoos at all, but agree Whipsnade is one of the better ones. I could just about cope with raising animals in captivity for reintroduction back into the wild, but then you read stories about perfectly healthy giraffes slaughtered because they have the 'wrong' genes. I do love your picture though. :)
ReplyDeleteYour photo is just priceless!
ReplyDeleteLike you I have mixed views, I think zoos have a very valuable role in protecting and breeding animals and educating people in the importance of conservation but there is nothing worse than seeing animals that are clearly uncomfortable in their enclosure. From the look of it Whipsnade is doing a grand job.
Wonderful photo x
ReplyDeleteI have mixed views too, I hate to see animals caged, but there are zoos that do such an important, and good, job in terms of research, conservation and teaching... Tough one.
#alphabetphoto
Amazing photo. Mothers are really protectors! Zoos are something that I wish we dont need. But nowadays the only way to save species are in zoos as they are no longer safe in their own environment. #alphabetphoto
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful photo! You guys are lucky for being able to capture this lovely moment. We've visited Whipsnade zoo, but I don't remember seeing elephants there, or maybe they were just hiding? #alphabetphoto.
ReplyDeleteI am definitely NOT a fan of zoos or circuses or petting zoos, etc. I have sworn my little babe will never go to a circus. As for zoos, I know there are some progressive ones and they do allow children the experience to see animals up close, but unless the animals are there because they cannot be released into the wild (an injury, etc), then I just have a really hard time justifying an elephant in England or the USA, etc.
ReplyDeleteLove this photo. I think I went to Whipsnade Zoo when I was a kid. I think most zoos are getting better now and they do have a good purpose other then for our entertainment. Education, conservation, our increased understanding of animal behaviour and it's not like the animals are just being taken from the wild any more and locked up in cages (not in this country anyway) they are breed in captivity. I think Longleat is the best animal experience I have had. The welfare of the animals there is so obviously at the top of their list.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful photograph! I too have mixed feelings about zoos. Not only about the small enclosures but the animals aren't used to our type of weather. It must be so cold for them in the UK when they should be in Africa.
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