Project Zoo: ACJC

© Nicole Chong

What I like about zoo is that it provides a venue for interactions between animals and humans. Even though the form of interaction is largely superficial; like feeding the animals or watching animals show or even just staring at the animals but, it helps to foster the basic sense of care and empathy towards the animals. This is what I think is necessary to develop a society that embrace and respect the nature. Other than that, visiting the zoo also give the visitors the big picture of the natural habitat of each species. Notice boards containing information regarding the habits and fun facts about the animals further educate the public about wildlife.

However, during the visit, my friend pointed out that animals kept in zoos often face boredom. One of the signs was that the animals kept on repeating the same motion like walking back and forth or swaying their trunks. This motion is called pacing. Sometimes the size of the enclosure is relatively too small compared to their natural habitat. Even though the zoo has put in much effort to decorate the enclosures to match the natural environment, size cannot be camouflaged.

Nothing much can be done to deal with this problem unless the zoo can be as spacious as Serengeti National Park. And the fact that zoo has enormous contributions in educating the public, I think zoo is still the ideal place for urban dwellers to develop their love for animals. I hope in the future the zoo would provide more opportunities for the public to participate in taking care of the animals and hence, more meaningful man and animal interactions could be fostered.

Vanessa Kirana

Photographer