Would You Visit A Zoo Without Live Animals?

Why do zoos even exist? So people can see animals, of course, and learn about their “natural” behaviors, “natural” habitats, “natural” diets, and “natural” appearance. But … nothing about keeping animals caged behind locked bars or a terrarium is natural. Thus, animals in zoos and aquariums display zoochotic behaviors as a result of boredom, stress, and depression. Such behaviors might include pacing back and forth, self-mutilation, swaying from side to side, excessive grooming, vomiting, and others that mirror behaviors of distressed human beings.

It is impossible to replicate any animal’s natural environment within a cage and typically, animals are not fed their natural diets. Research even suggests that visiting zoos is not actually an educational experience.

So … why do zoos even exist? Good question.

Instead of visiting a zoo or aquarium, you might consider checking out a real animal sanctuary (for animals who have been rescued and are given the best possible care given their situation or are rehabilitated back to their natural habitat if they have a chance at survival).

But what if there was another option besides visiting sanctuaries or other zoo alternatives? What if you could still visit a zoo and learn about animals without any animals having to suffer? Let’s see what a zoo without live animals would look like …

Up Close Encounters With Animatronic Animals

When people visit zoos, it’s generally because they love animals and are fascinated by them. Often, animals kept at zoos are difficult to observe when they are hiding, curled up sleeping, or off exhibit. Also, these animals are generally so accustomed to seeing people staring at them all day that they have no interest in interacting with humans.

So, what if a zoo contained only animatronic (robot) animals? As technology advances, animatronics will be looking more and more realistic. These “creatures” would always be viewable on exhibit, could create realistic sounds of their species, could roam and move to keep people entertained, and be valuable sources of education for all age groups. Plus, kids and adults might even be able to directly interact with animals on display, since there would no longer be a risk of people being threatened by frightened animals (or vise versa).

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Since many people enjoy watching animals eat, some of the animatronics would be displayed with the motion of munching on their natural diets. There could be an exhibit with animatronic species that people are familiar with in their homes (e.g. dogs and cats), where visitors could pet and play with the robots.

Check out some of the life-like models that have already been created:

Another potential option for zoos and aquariums is digital light exhibitions. The company, LightAnimal, has pioneered an interactive light display that exhibits graphic animals through a projector system. The projections of whales and orcas can be displayed at full size and have sound to allow the viewer to enjoy the experience of watching whales in their natural habitat – without having to hold any actual animals in captivity.

In a zoo without real animals, there would be no need for fences besides a railing to keep visitors on the pathway. A no cage, no fence zoo would teach people that animals do not belong behind bars.

Profits for Real Conservation Efforts

Animatronic animals would cost much less than real life animals to maintain. Sure, there would be the initial cost of purchasing new additions, the cost of mechanical maintenance, and the cost of staff for visitor services. But unlike their real counterparts, animatronics don’t need food, won’t destroy their habitats over time, don’t need veterinary care, and don’t have waste to clean up after (less staff needed than a traditional zoo).

Not to mention, profits earned by a zoo with animatronic animals could be used to directly Support ethical conservation efforts, including working to enact new laws for protecting endangered animals and their habitats, raising more public awareness on topics of environmental Conservation and implementing new education programs and creating plans for local community animal Conservation. Every person who supports the zoo would learn how every individual has the power to make a difference for animals. How cool would it be if a zoo benefited people, non-human animals, and ecosystems?  Let’s see this happen!

Well, what do you think, Green Monsters? Would you visit a zoo without live non-human animals?

Lead image source: Galleryhip.com