A licence to enter the zoo?
Apr 14th, 2009 | By mervi | Category: Featured articles14.04.2009 by Ralph and Mervi, Photos by Jessie and Idefix
There has been a couple of really sad incidents in the Berlin Zoo during the last few months – both caused by mentally disturbed persons. A person who jumps into a polar bear’s moat can’t be what we call ‘normal’!
Daily we can witness other kinds of incidents – not as dramatic but nevertheless dangerous. Kids are climbing into the hedges of the bear enclosure, adults are throwing food to the animals. Maybe it’s time to introduce a ‘licence to visit a zoo! Every visitor should answer some elementary questions and only if they pass the ‘examination’ they would be allowed to enter the zoo. This may sound drastic but is it really?
The animals deserve all the protection we can give them.
Here are some words of wisdom from Ralph:
For anyone who has visited this site and does not think we know the difference between reality and fiction, please read the following safety advice before visiting Berlin.
“The Polar Bear is the world’s largest and most effective predator. It is designed to kill efficiently and quickly in order to feed itself in the harshest environment on Earth.The bears in Berlin are doing us humans (talking apes) a real favour by putting up with being amongst us in order to teach us some important lessons about respecting people, animals and the planet.
If you do not understand or agree with this, stay away from zoo
Polar Bears. They are seriously dangerous.”
It would be interesting to hear if you, dear readers, have any other suggestions! Please, let us know!
A guardian angel by Idefix
Mervi,
Like other animal lovers, I am disturbed by the spate of mentally disturbed people who are invading the space of zoo animals. I am deeply concerned for my beloved Knut and the other beautiful creatures that are in harm’s way, whether from the demented folks themselves or from the zoo staff who might have to kill an animal one day to save a human life. Thank goodness the staff at Berlin Zoo have handled both situations with polar bears in a competent and professional manner without panicking. I am grateful too that Berlin Zoo stood by their bears in both incidents. Maybe the police and zoos should consider legal proceedings against these zoo invaders and their enablers. It might be drastic, but we need to protect the animals – too many of them are already being exploited and abused…..
By the way, Knut looks so hunky with his jute cloth draped on his face. That Flocke had better grab him before there’s a long line of lady polar bears lined up outside Berlin Zoo waiting to get their paws on our handsome boy. And if he sees the French Canadian beauty Tiguac, it will be too late for all others.
Time’s running out Flocke!
Leonardo of Vinci had already foreseen: it will arrive the day in that the men will know the intimate of the animals, and on this day, a crime against an animal will be a crime against the humanity “, this day it arrived and it is time of showing the people that the animals must respected.
Glad to see the guardian angel with our Knuti….The bears really do need protection from people. Ralph, thanks for the words of wisdom….I like your vote of confidence that we here at Die Knuipe know the difference between fantasy and reality….I might say for myself, though, that I enjoy my time in fantasy land….Back to being serious, I am very pleased that since the zoo was unwilling to beef up security measures that volunteers have done so. Bravo to them. I have said it before, and I will say it again: Knuti? If you need Tante Judy to pack her bags and head over the big pond to be your sentry, I’ll be there in a heartbeat….Yeo? Fire up the Knutship…xo k-j
Mervi –
Thank you for explaining this story for me in the other location. Although the news coverage droned the story on and on so repetitiously, it does seem as though part of responsible journalism might include making known vital points, akin to teaching, for those not in the know. I reference the December 2007 story of the [un]necessary shooting of the beautiful Siberian tiger Tatiana, who had actually escaped her enclosure (some believe due to being taunted). For more details, here is the wiki link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlos_Sousa
Yes, it seems like common sense to most of us visiting a zoo or a wild habitat which protocol to observe, yet for others, it must be said:
[Following renovations at the San Francisco Zoo before reopening,] “The zoo also installed portable loudspeakers which remind visitors to leave promptly at the 5 p.m. closing time and
“Protect the Animals” signs which read:
“Help make the zoo a safe environment. The magnificent animals in the zoo are wild and possess all their natural instincts. You are a guest in their home. Please remember they are sensitive and have feelings. PLEASE don’t tap on glass, throw anything into exhibits, make excessive noise, tease or call out to them.”
Echoing Ralph and others above, it bears repeating that untold numbers of zoo visitors do not observe these basic protocols. Perhaps zoos the world over might consider educating zoo patrons, as after all, the price of admission to a zoo does not guarantee one’s safety if one does not conduct oneself accordingly.
Realizing sadly that allowances will undoubtedly have to be made for some,
Tish
PS: Fabulous shots of our sweet baer-boy, especially in repose!