Polite response regarding "poor caged animals"

[OrnithAudrey]

Much appreciation for the continued helpful and reassuring responses. We had quite the doozy with a group of graduating seniors who, despite our, "Please do not step on the curb," signs and verbal warning, proceeded to prove their coolness by crossing the two curbs and plant boundary to reach across to Rio's aviary, stick their fingers in and try to get him to mimic curse words. I personally escorted them out and after a discussion with the manager, have full permission to kick people out at my discretion. This is a relief to me as these kinds of people don't deserve to experience the wonder these creatures bestow upon those of us willing to appreciate and respect them.

 

[OrnithAudrey]

I usually equate a parrot living in captivity to a human living in a city - would you prefer to live in your home, or out in the wild?

There has been a big swell in the 'animal rights' movement lately, helped along by 'documentaries' such as blackfish (urgh...)
I absolutely detest animal rights advocates. They manage to sway the public using misconceptions and lies - and it works because the general public take everything at face value and have no concept of fact-checking.

Animal rights and animal welfare are two completely different things.

Animal welfare says you shouldn't put a macaw into a small cage because it will get stressed and damage itself.

Animal rights says you shouldn't put a macaw into any cage because it wants to be free and flying through the jungle and frolicking with all its friends.

Unfortunately, you are absolutely correct. People watch one documentary and they're animal experts nowadays, coming in and attempting to degrade the work of those of us who are actually making a difference, rather than simply talking about doing so.

I can empathize with your conundrum; in my line of work ignorance is deigned the "checked brain at curbside" malady.

Not completely sure of the logistics of your work environment, but is it possible to fabricate creative signs near the "poor caged animals" to educate the visitors? The biggest challenge may be to effectively convey the information at a third grade level. If they care to read first, those who initiate conversation may be more amenable to reason.

Sadly, we do have signs in layman's terms complete with fun facts and pretty pictures! Unfortunately, asking people to read seems too demanding these days as I have to frequently reprimand people for stepping on the curbs, touching the glass and trying their darnedest to touch the animals, all while standing next to signs asking them not to.

 

[Solo]

I made a little girl at the zoo cry the other day, sometimes it's needed to point out poor parenting. No one is taught boundaries, respect, or personal space anymore. I'm shocked to see people letting their kids run around unsupervised on other people's property all the time. I was taught not to walk on someone's grass, only walk up the driveway (and only if you had permission and good reason to be there). Common courtesy is all that's needed. You wouldn't want someone poking at you.

And a good way to relate info from my perspective and tell people..well, you have a house that's your own personal space. Same with my animals. Technically we shouldn't have plumbing, electricity or any other luxuries. We as humans should also be in the wild, but no one will give up their commodities. We've become lazy creatures. Foraging for food and avoiding predators is stressful, deadly, and frankly too much work for the human race these days. So if someone wants to complain.. I'd tel them to take off all their clothes and go live in a rainforest without any contact to the "world", because that's where we belong. Sorry, soapbox..lol


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