I Don’t Think We Otter
I am a hair’s breadth from being a total pushover. And the girls know it. A shot of exhaustion from the weekend’s activities, with a jigger of maternal guilt from spending most of the day writing yesterday, topped off with a splash of insecurity about the belief that my children are having a happy, albeit not exactly conventional childhood was just the cocktail Gigi and Lulu needed to serve up to have me saying, “Oh…alright!” to their requests.
My first concession came when the girls saw that our next door neighbor had set up a “Water and Otter Pop” stand. I’m assuming the downgrade from lemonade has something to do with the recession. How could I say no to a 25 cent plastic tube of artificial color and flavors when it meant in one fell swoop I could support a mom and pop start-up and give my children the pleasure of sucking the melty syrup out of the bottom of the packaging? This heart’s not made of stone, people.
Lu was a little unsure of how to attack it at first.
She subtly peeked at Gigi to see how it was done.
Geeg, who naturally picked the least likely color to be found in nature (aka 2000 Flushes blue), wasted no time.
She rapidly reached the beautiful sucking point.
And now, replete with brain freezes, I will never feel as if my girls missed out on a quintessential part of childhood summers.
My second moment of weakness today came when Gigi asked to do a craft. I’m no stranger to this request. It’s right up there with, “Can you tell Lulu to stop licking my elbow?” Fine, whatever. Since we were having Baja-style tempeh tacos for dinner (recipe pending),
I thought a Mexican-themed centerpiece was in order.
Bonus points for incorporating vegetables.
Points off for incorporating sharp toothpicks.
Bonus points for having up-to-date tetanus shots.
Bonus points for incorporating healthy snacks.
I came out ahead, I think.
And then, for one of the first times today, I said “no.” Pea Daddy let me know that the Oregon Zoo’s admission is 75% off tomorrow and that he could take the afternoon off for a family outing. I was excited at the prospect of a field trip tomorrow, an extra set of hands to help run interference with elbow licking and most importantly, not having to do a craft.
However, the overriding feeling I have had about zoos since transitioning to vegetarianism and veganism is “this just isn’t right.” I did some quick Tweeting and Google work and came up with these facts from PETA (granted you may find PETA to be biased and overtly salacious in their media campaign, as I sometimes do, but these are from independent studies and sources, like the New York Times, the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Detroit Zoological Institute):
- An Oxford University study based on four decades of observing animals in captivity and in the wild found that animals such as polar bears, lions, tigers, and cheetahs “show the most evidence of stress and/or psychological dysfunction in captivity” and concluded that “the keeping of naturally wide-ranging carnivores should be either fundamentally improved or phased out.”
- A survey of the records of 4,500 elephants both in the wild and in captivity found that the median life span for an African elephant in a zoo was 16.9 years, whereas African elephants on a nature preserve died of natural causes at a median age of 56 years. Researchers concluded that “bringing elephants into zoos profoundly impairs their viability.”
- After recognizing that they could not adequately provide for the complex needs of elephants, several zoos have made the decision to close their elephant exhibits. Not our zoo. (Please visit SaveWildElephants.com for more information on zoos that have closed their elephant exhibits)
- A PETA investigation of numerous zoos across the country found several bear species exhibiting neurotic, stereotypic behaviors. These frustrated animals spend much of their time pacing, walking in tight circles, swaying or rolling their heads, and showing other signs of psychological distress. In some bear enclosures, paths worn by the bears’ constant pacing could be seen; in others, there were actual paw impressions in the soil where bears had repeatedly stepped in the exact same spot.
While I know that there is educational value in some zoos, and there are conservation and species preservation attempts in others, I also know that there are other ways the girls can have just as valuable experiences with animals.
We can go to the library and look at books with pictures of tigers, bears and elephants. We can rent the Life DVDs. We can visit the many farms or even sanctuaries that are a stone’s throw away from our house. And we can do all of these things without wondering if we are supporting something that, while it might be fun for us, could very well be detrimental to another life.
Maybe they will miss out on one quintessential part of childhood summers, but I’ve got a quarter. I know where we can get some tasty Otter Pops.
I love this post, I hate zoos (and of course the circus is even worse) yet people continue to rave on and on about them, including how “great” they are for the animals. Thanks for the resources that prove my point
Thanks for the facts on zoos. Since becoming vegan, I’ve become more aware of these things, too, and have wondered how zoos fit into it. I’m happy that there are many friendlier ways out there for us to get to know animals in a safe setting.
Have a lovely day!
xox
The blue is my favorite. Nice pick Gigi
LOVE those little cucumber cactus project. Precious! I completely understand your decision about the zoo. Have you seen the Planet Earth show? Might not keep the attention span of the kiddos but gosh was it amazing and educational. You’re such a good mom….truly!
Love the cactus craft! Oprah was talking about parents modeling healthy behaviors today and I immediately thought of you. She mentioned that rather than tell children to do something [healthy], you should show them by doing it yourself. You are the epitome of that!
I love this, Mama pea! I’m not a vegan, a vegetarian or even (gasp!) an animal lover (don’t like’em) but I 100% agree that animals should not be in cages. I was at the DC zoo – our nationa zoo- recently and I was horrified by the elephants in their Dumbo-era cages. One of them was doing something I”ve only ever seen my OCD, manic-depressive, Uncle do- a weird repetetive, twitching motion. He was moving his trunk as if to pick up food and then moving it vaguely to his mouth, but wasn’t actually making contact with either food or mouth. He did this over and over for at least 30 minutes while I watched. It was really awful.
Thank you for posting this!
Thanks for writing this about the zoos. The Calgary Zoo just got written up for being on a watch list of sorts… MAJOR animal deaths outside of “normal”, apparently… and while visiting friends 2 weeks ago, I found myself at a “grown up event” at the zoo, and VERY morally compromised.
The event involved about 380 adults running around the zoo at dusk on a scavenger hunt. There’s NO WAY we weren’t traumatising the animals: the cougar was just looking at us as if to go “WTF?” and the wolves were basically stalking us inside their enclosures… we’re talking SERIOUS stresses.
I asked my friends with kids if they would boycott the zoo if I started a letter campaign to tell the Zoo management WHY we were… too much focus on activities, not enough on animal care… and they said “you don’t have kids. You don’t know how important it is to have this as an activity. How else will they learn about animals? AND: it’s a little help in keeping them away from the TV you know!”
I don’t have kids—but you do. And you stayed true to your conscience. THANK YOU!!!!!! Loved the post!
Good post – I’m pretty against a lot of zoos. I can see the benefit of them for breeding programmes for very endangered species, but other than that, I think they’re pretty wrong. I was in Spain once and saw a cheetah in such a small cage, just pacing back and forth, back and forth. It was horrible!
Thankyou for this post.
I am always excited to go to the zoo because I love animals, but leave feeling depressed. I know that some of the animals are living a life of ‘luxury’ that they may not lead in the wild but still..
The was brought to my attention in Thailand where, after seeing the elephants shackled in chains, both me AND Mr BBB were in tears…
Again….thankyou
I am so happy about your “ZOO” info post. I get so frustrated with so called “animal lovers” being so ill-informed about what goes on at those prisons for exotic creatures. Where do they think they these animals come from? Thank you for doing your research and making the right decision as EVERYONE should!
My mom has always said the same kind of thing about zoos and she isn’t vegetarian/vegan or a PETA spokesperson. There’s just something about seeing animals in cages that bothers both of us. I preferred something like the Lion Country Safari Chris & I did in FL a couple of years ago…though people still protest that. I guess I go back and forth – I loved going to the zoo as a little girl, but I’d pass now. I’m glad you stuck to your guns!
Love the cucumber cactuses (cacti?)
I loved those things when I was little. Heck, I still love them now. I just saw a box at the store and wanted to buy them.
Oh my gosh, these “cool pops” as we called them were essential in the summer! I use to get the GIGANTIC ones at the pool almost everyday! Such a good memory of childhood!
Bobby has been begging me to go to the Central Park zoo and I keep saying no =/ I don’t want to promote them. I think (need to do some Google research) that the CP zoo is actually half decent (for a zoo) but I still don’t like it. I get really depressed when I see animals cooped up like that.
unless it’s a safari i stay away from zoos and the circus. it’s like paying to watch SADNESS
Yeah…zoos have kind of been ruined for me ( with apologies to my future children, who I’m sure will hate me for not letting them go to the zoo). It’s just not something I can really enjoy anymore after learning more of the facts
Otter pops, however, are always enjoyable
I refuse to take my daughter to the zoo, despite my husband’s continuous requests. I also refuse to go to Sea World or any place that cages animals.
Great job getting the message out there!
Such a great point about zoos. I went to college across the street from the Bronx Zoo, which has a world class gorilla exhibit. I remember looking into the exhibit at these animals, which are truly only a few evolutionary footsteps away from us, and being truly saddened. There these beautiful, intelligent animals sat, while I stared at them. A family, not unlike any human family, on display for our amusement. In my opinion it is simply not right. Look at Sea World. Dolphins and orcas are some of the most intelligent species on the planet, and they’re forced to flip in the air and swim circles around a small pool day after day. If you haven’t already, I highly suggest watching “The Cove” about the dolphin trade in Japan. This film changed my feelings about captive animals forever.
Thank you for putting this post out there – I couldn’t be more with you on this one!
Last summer I went ot Thailand and unfortunately experienced too many depressing elephant parks and zoos (four..ick). I was so disturbed by the use of animals as tourist attractions, and that’s not counting the elephants who are exploited on the public street in major cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai. while I loved the Bronx Zoo as a child this really made me rethink the use of animals as entertainment and I don’t know if I could ever go back. Kudos to you for making this decision for your family
i feel the same way about the zoos. it’s so heartbreaking to see animals caged up like that. it’s so sad (and crazy) how the elephants lifespan is cut down so drastically, i never knew that!
Wow, thank you for bringing the facts up to light. I’ve always thought that zoos were pretty inhumane, and I didn’t get how it was “okay” to fence in such a huge animal and that they would live “fine”
I feel exactly the same. And sometimes I feel like the only one! So many people I know, even animal lovers, LOVE the zoo. And I just can’t go, because whenever I do I always feel so sad for the animals. I just feel like its not right.
Even though I’m not willing to become vegetarian, I think not visiting zoos is something I can do. You’re right: they’re stinky and unkind to animals and really just a peep show. Maybe instead you can find a local farm to take the girls to? I remember going to a lot of apple orchards around New England which always have goats that they let people pet and feed. And because they’re the farmer’s “pets”, I think it’s a lot more ethical and less cruel than major zoos
aw, i love zoos, but it really is difficult to be OK with the animals being caged up. and i can imagine it would be especially difficult to explain that to your girls as well…it’s just great to see a mother actually THINKING about the repercussions of her decisions!
Omg I love the cucumber cacti! Also? I’m the same way about zoos and aquariums. I sucked it up and we headed to the zoo last year since our is run by Jack Hannah and has been named the #1 zoo in the country (that’s right San Diego!). I figured it had to be awesome! Wrong. It’s full of very freaked out animals pacing around their “habitats” or scratching at the door trying to get back inside to where ever. Very sad and we won’t be going back. I was hoping it was different. I wanted to give them my money for animal support and research and wildlife sanctuaries but nope. Not after what I saw. I also witnessed people acting like total assholes towards the animals it was all I could do to not punch someone out.
I have to admit that with some of the recent births in the Oregon Zoo over the past couple of years, my mom and I have gone when I’ve been home to visit. I go back and forth on this topic a lot. It is amazing to see these animals, but you are right – there are other ways. I do believe the Oregon Zoo is planning to renovate the elephant enclosure to address the recent findings in the elephant study. At least it’s a step…
Another agree about the zoo, I won’t go either!
I agree with your feelings on zoos. Granted we do have a very nice zoo here in OHio but it does not compare with being wild and free. We go rarely. Every time I talk to my children about the wrongness of keeping animals penned up. Our zoo also does a great deal of conservation work to protect animals in the wild. They also have a good program of helping injured animals rehabilitate so that they can be released back into the wild. Animals do not belong in cages but hopefully more zoos will become refuges for injured animals and work to protect animals natural habitats.
I have been vegan for 7 years and have felt the same way about zoo’s, but always have a hard time saying no when invited on play dates/etc. thanks for sharing all the facts… and reminding me that it’s okay to say NO to something that doesn’t coincide with your belief system. Even to your hub’s!
Those freezer pops were my air conditioner in college. In fact, I think I still have a box somewhere!
I agree with your views on the zoo and you got some great feedback. Just out of curiousity, how do you feel about aquariums? The Baltimore aqauarium really emphsizes water conservation and learnig about and how to protect the Chesapeake Bay, which is very important to our area. However it’s still keepig animals captive, and I have to wonder about the dolphin shows…
I was just thinking about the aquarium this morning. Our local aquarium mostly has fish and birds, but is also infamous for housing Keiko. I never went and saw him. It bothers me that they keep sea lions and penguins in some pretty unnatural habitats. We usually skip the aquarium and visit the Marine Science Center instead that simply has sea anemones, fish and educational exhibits.
As a membership-holder at the Oregon zoo, I have often contemplated your exact thoughts and respect your decision not to support zoos. My family has had some good times at the zoo and will continue to do so but as a vegetarian (and animal lover), I can’t help but feel guilty about the whole thing. If you have any great suggestions for farm visits in the area, I’d love to hear about them (but do they offer Zoo Lights?!). Thanks once again for sharing your insights and fun candor, Mama Pea!
We have plans to visit the Lighthouse Farm Sanctuary in Scio, but there is also the Out to Pasture Sanctuary in Estacada. Of course, we love going to Bauman Farms just south of Woodburn and even better, I can get local produce there too!
when walking through target…..some how my kids spot those Otter pops…. I say NOpe. But my MOM says YEs and at grandma’s house…. its a sure thing! ah joys of SuMMER treaTS!
Thank you for the insight on the zoo……I guess I really never noticed that… sometimes I would think about it…but figured they would never do anything to harm animals really…so sad…
totally agree about the zoos. maybe you have a “wildlife refuge” or center in your area? A place where they rehabilitate animals (local, wild animals…)
My parents used to take my brother and I to volunteer at a local marine mammal hospital. They’d take in seriously injured (usually by boats, fishing trollers etc) animals, rehabilitate them and then release them. While we mostly did menial tasks as kids (drawing on posters, etc) we did get to see the animals and it was incredibly educational (much more so than a zoo as we got to actually learn about the animal’s biologly) and we were still getting out and away from the tv. If you have anything like that near where youvguys are I highly recommend it, maybe when your girls are a bit older (I think I was 7 when we started going).
I fully support your position on zoos. I had a change of heart when there was a measure in Portland to vote on, that would raise taxes to build a better elephant habitat at the zoo. I just couldn’t do it after doing my research.
I didn’t know there were so many wildlife safari type places in Oregon a few weeks ago when we were in Southern Oregon. We passed by two and it just made me sad. Yes, maybe the animals aren’t in a cage, but we hardly have an African climate.
Fabulous attention to zoos!!!!
I did a post at Easter about petting zoos. I was a HUGE post for me in that the animals were running around in this very small pen, literally 40 kids were allowed INTO the pen with the animals…and there were goat tails and bunny ears being pulled and tugged on…i pretty much couldnt believe my eyes!!!
That experience did two things for me
Made me not want to patronize zoos, petting zoos, circuses, etc..and it really solidified my feelings on it all ,which up to that point were not quite as well articulated.
AND
It made me steadfast and resolute in my commitment to veganism for compassion!!!! not just for health reasons, food allergies, etc. It really was such a huge, eye opening, experience for me. Yes, I always had compassion, but it was this very simple neighborhood petting zoo that changed my life, my thoughts, everything, this past Easter.
Great post
xoxo
My family and I just went to the zoo and I have to admit- I was traumatized. Every single animal I saw was just sitting there…not playing, not eating…just sitting there with completely vacant expressions. I’ve never felt so sad or angry in my life. I find it amazing that other people don’t see their suffering. Granted, since becoming Vegan I’ve become more sensitive towards animals but it still amazes me when people have the audacity to throw things in their cages, make obscene gestures and noises, and just act completely inapropriate. So sad
How cute are those “cacti”??! Love it. And good for you for looking into the facts about zoos.
I will go out on a limb and assume that Otter Pops are not made out of actual otters, then.
for a minute I thought you might veganize some of those otter pops. it would be possible but too much plastic involved i suppose.
i am glad you stood up to the kids and have a “no zoo” policy. as a kid i never understood why the animals were so miserable at the zoo. and adults make up the stupidist reasons for why the animals are there and think there’s no problem lying to their kids about it. I think zoos are one of the ways that adults teach kids it’s ok to imprison animals and use them as entertainment.
i am not into peta either, but they do have good research. and some “i’m an ele-friend” stickers that I am sure gigi and lulu would love.
Otter pops are quite quintessential, I wonder if there’s a way to make our own?
Thanks for the facts about zoos. I’m torn also but I do visit the zoo every once in a while since I live in San Diego. My friend has worked on a lot of animal conservation projects and even spent time in Africa with Save the Rhinos, but loves zoos. It’s always interesting hearing her perspective.
Thanks for the info and the food for thought, MP. I don’t even consider myself an animal lover, but there is definitely a sense of sadness when I see caged animals in a zoo for human entertainment. However, I do see the other side of the coin (so to speak) with the educational component. I’ll check our your links
Well gf, I’m gonna be your one lone peep who loves the zoo and will take my child there as much as I possibly can. Differing opinions are what makes the world go round!
Let the hating begin! LOL! Heart you!
This was an idea I’ve been struggling with as I make dreams for our future family outings. I loved the zoo as a kid, as well as the circus, but I hate the idea of traumatizing the animals that are there. Luckily, I think our little zoo in Austin is actually a sanctuary of some sort. I’ll have to research it further. Thanks for writing your thoughts on this – it’s nice to see the thought processes of others who struggle with this idea!!
I am with you on zoos. They used to be a place I loved as a kid because I loved animals, but as an adult, when I went I promise, there was a room with two “trees”( I couldn’t tell you if they were real or artificial) and two koalas were hanging out at the top…that is it. I can’t imagine what they do all the time?
what pisses me off about zoos is that, despite having the “best interest” in preserving certain species and having them within reach for us to view, they’re basically on display from open to close, and then what?? no freedom whatsoever… Also, when I visited the zoo (it was in Houston) I could hear electrical wire zapping around the animals’ cages.. Ugh. So frustrating..
it breaks my heart and I basically refuse to visit any type of zoo- Outdoor establishments where they can be viewed in the wild, I am fine with that.
I don’t want to completely knock zoos or people who open them with an honest interest in the animals well-being, but I don’t believe caging a beast meant to roam in its natural territory is the right thing to do.
ANYWAY! enough of that, love your posts always!
Lindsey Michaud
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the zoo. I have not been to one and years, and sometimes wonder if I should ever want to go back. I love all animals, but is hard to see them behind bars. But again it is fun seeing animals you would never really see, but again you can just watch the Discovery Channel. ; )
I have not been to our zoo (same one, Portland!) for so many years. I never really liked it – could not stand seeing the animals look so sad. Don’t even get me started on the circus!!
There are farms you could take your sweeties to, where you can go up and PET these happy animals, free to do their own thing.
I worked for a woman once, she wanted to “borrow” one of the elephants for a big parade we were having up Burnside Street for a grand opening biz. event… I walked out of the executive meeting. It did not happen.
Good point about the zoo. Bah… and I LOVED zoos as a kid.
I work at an invertebrate zoo (we have spiders, insects, a working beehive, scorpions, fish, coral, sea stars, crabs, and a huge butterfly conservatory. I don’t know if you have anything like that in your state, but I can assure you that our invertebrate animals are well cared for and don’t often show signs of stress b/c of that care. It might be a good compromise for your girls if there’s anything in the area!