Hacker News Reader

Comment by wavefunction | Hacker News Reader

Zoos are inhumane for many animals in my personal opinion. Many animals should be ranging a territory in the wild, not confined to a tiny plot of land to be gawked at.

I don't find the 'conservation' excuse all that acceptable either. What if the millions spent on Zoos were instead spent to conserve the native territories of the animals and to improve the lives of the people who live near them so they won't resort to poaching or habitat destruction.

View on HN

Yes, some animals get stressed out living in zoos. That being said, it is probably the least stressful way that people can appreciate animals in real life. There is some value in bringing people face to face with animals, I think it reconnects us with the basis of our humanity, and leads us to treat animals better overall. Does the moral math work out in the end? I don't know, but it isn't a one sided issue.

This is my thinking as well. Zoos are kind of a necessary evil so we don't completely concrete all jungles, etc.

Humans are horrible caretakers of this planet.

Some zoos are actually centers of research and teaching.

http://www.omahazoo.com/conservation/

>What if the millions spent on Zoos were instead spent to conserve the native territories

A lot of zoos are funded 100% off ticket sales. How do you generate those millions of dollars without some business model supporting it?

I dont know where this idea comes from that animals in the wild are happy. Most live short brutal lives. Living in a zoo, free from predators, plenty of food, and veterinary care when they are sick. Its sort of like an animal utopia.

> Living in a zoo, free from predators, plenty of food, and veterinary care when they are sick. Its sort of like an animal utopia.

Replace "zoo" with "modern society", and vets with hospitals. Sounds pretty similar to what a lot of people strive for.

The common argument against that comparison is animals don't have a choice in the matter, while we are free to flee.

> or habitat destruction

Doesn't this come mostly from clearing land for agriculture?

True, but - there wouldn't be any millions if these (poor imho) animals weren't confined in small places.

Planet 1: "Hey there, long time no see, how are you doing? :-)"

Planet 2: "not too good lately... :-( I got infected by humans..."

This is a funny joke.... But ultimately nonsense. Any other planets with any life?

At best, it is looking like most life dies off. Conway's game is incredibly fitting in that.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com