this post was submitted on 04 Aug 2025
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I used to very much feel that way. I was incensed that we'd keep animals in tiny boxes, which must be existentially destructive to the psyches of these creatures.
Recent visits to moderns zoos and conservatories have shown me that zoology has seriously evolved from when I was younger. I'm not trying to say you shouldn't feel the way you do, just maybe take a look at what they're up to now, I think the underlying approach has changed for the better.
I'm know there are still lots of for-profit zoos around the world, however, that treat the creatures like hell. And in that case I don't defend that even remotely. That's where I'd be in total agreement with your sentiment.
If you're American or Canadian or Australian (maybe others?) the secret is to make sure you visit "Accredited" zoos and aquariums.
They have regular inspections and assessments to ensure they meet Requirments for enclosure space sizes and maintenance and cleanliness quality, behaviour and mental enrichment for the animals (of which this would be something, providing natural prey instead of ground meat), health checks and veterinary care, documentation of all of the above, etc.
If somewhere isn't accredited is risky as to whether or not the animals are properly cared for.
It is AZA in America, CAZA in Canada, and AAZA in Australia. There may be others for other countries but those are the ones I'm familiar with.
(Source: former zookeeper, AZA)