LeStourgeon Online

Zoos as Part of the Creation Ordinance

Al Mohler writes about the controversy regarding the German-born polar bear Knut.  Along the way, he says something poignant about the purpose of zoos:

Furthermore, one clear purpose of zoos is to attract and delight crowds of humans who are drawn by the excitement and pleasure of looking at cute, dangerous, exotic, and famous animals. Zoos dress up their mission statements with passages about scientific study, defending biodiversity, and other purposes — no doubt legitimate — but those do not explain why people are buying tickets to get in.

As an increasing frequenter of zoos (due to Niam’s increasing interest), I am often overwhelmed by the in-your-face “science education” about environmentalist endeavors and how bad humans are as a species.  It would be nice if zoo administrators found a way to remember that the best way to save the planet is to inspire the wonder of creation (and our enjoyment of it) in the hearts of little humans.

Posted by blestou on March 23rd, 2007 — Daily Life, Culture, Politics, Doctrine