It has not been an easy last few weeks in my world. Following the recent tragedy in Florida I find that the public backlash concerning conservation, environmental education, zoos and aquariums, has rocked me to the core. While I know a large section of the American public does support zoos and aquariums, I was totally unprepared to learn that an equally large – and infinitely more vocal – percentage does not agree with the ethics of captive wildlife. Worse, they feel that mission statements of research, rescue, and conservation education, may simply be veils with which to camouflage less noble motives.
And perhaps most devastating of all, many of those people who most strongly disagree with my professional field are some of the biggest names and forces in wildlife conservation.
I am floored to discover that the community of environmentalists and conservationists is dramatically polarized on this issue. I feel somewhat betrayed by my fellow conservationists who are so strongly and publicly denouncing zoos and aquariums with the argument that no one can learn anything from an animal if it is not living in its natural habitat. For some reason I had always identified all conservation groups as being apart of a wider community that was working towards a common goal. For me such sense of a fluid community has all but vanished.
For an environmental educator like myself, these are deeply disturbing opinions to hear and have led to many sleepless nights. I have often lain awake at these times wondering if we are indeed failing our missions, what more we can do to make use of our exhibits and animals for inspiration, and how we can learn from judiciously considering the viewpoints that are so strongly opposed to us.
I for one am tired of debating my chosen life’s work in grocery store checkout lines and at the post office. I want to get back to the business of promoting awareness, conservation, and green lifestyles. I want to get back to teaching and guiding and watching small moments make a big impact that can change the direction of a life.
