[KaoCT]

Originally Posted by basehead617

I'm pretty much against zoos as entertainment. Sometimes protected habitats do good work for endangered species, when it's part of a concerted breeding effort, but just having exotic animals around that people pay to see? No thanks. I agree there is some educational value and 'wow factor', but that is not enough to justify the conditions and confinement these animals are subjected to. You can learn way more just researching the animals and watching film of them in the wild. Is it as 'cool' or good for children? No.. but that's not a concern of mine.

Agree 100%. There's no good reason to keep tigers and bears in small cement enclosures for people to gawk at.

If I want to see a tiger I'll go on an African safari.

[JayCT]

Originally Posted by KaoCT

Agree 100%. There's no good reason to keep tigers and bears in small cement enclosures for people to gawk at.

If I want to see a tiger I'll go on an African safari.

Not everyone has the means to do that. Many can't even afford a trip to a large zoo or wildlife habitat. A zoo like Beardsley Park allows just about everyone to see animals up close. Jay

[KaoCT]

Originally Posted by JayCT

Not everyone has the means to do that. Many can't even afford a trip to a large zoo or wildlife habitat. A zoo like Beardsley Park allows just about everyone to see animals up close. Jay

I don't have the means to do that either. My point is I would rather see them in their natural habitat than cooped up in a cement enclosure or cage. If people enjoy seeing depressed/stressed animals (and I'm referring to the big animals - bears, tigers, etc) then I guess the Beardsley Zoo will keep those exhibits. I just don't understand how that is entertaining for people or good for the animals.

[jjbradleynyc]

Originally Posted by KaoCT

I don't have the means to do that either. My point is I would rather see them in their natural habitat than cooped up in a cement enclosure or cage. If people enjoy seeing depressed/stressed animals (and I'm referring to the big animals - bears, tigers, etc) then I guess the Beardsley Zoo will keep those exhibits. I just don't understand how that is entertaining for people or good for the animals.

Well there is also the reason to "save and continue the existence and breeding" of nearly extinct and endangered in the wild animals. It's not all for entertainment and/or circus value, ya know? I think the zoos should take the entire welfare of the animal into account--including large enough and close enough-to-original habitats.
I like to think the tiny cages are becoming history--but for every story that is a success for an animal, there's always a zoo that ignores its animals needs. So, it's constantly gotta be work to ensure animal welfare.

[RogerAnthony]

Originally Posted by KaoCT

If I want to see a tiger I'll go on an African safari.

You won't see any there. Tigers only live in Asia.

[loveoneanother]

I am surprised by the negative comments here about this zoo. I think Beardsley Zoo has really improved over the years. I think you are painting a much worse picture than it really is. It is unfair to compare it to The Bronx Zoo since that is at a much grander scale. I think it is a great small zoo for CT residents to visit for a short family outing. I have been there many times and NEVER felt it was dirty or the animals, "looked depressed". I have been to several zoos around the US and I do not think the animals looked any less cared for.

For anyone who has not visited this zoo I would say definately go!

[NYBabyMama]

Why does the money to a hedge fun bother you so much? You repeated yourself. That money is for the future and for investing, not a givaway to a stupid cause.

[ecofancy]

I don't care if they "try" or are "improving" ...zoos should be held to higher expectations. Whats the point in preserving species and educating the youth if they see them in filth and disgusting conditions? If they can't provide adequate long term captivity then close the doors and spread the animals out to facilities that can. There is a fine line here, either a facility does or it does not.

Look, its 2012. We don't sell lions and monkeys in NYC pet stores anymore (at least not legally). We have the internet and other forms of education. There is no need for pathetic small zoos.

Tangent...please DON'T put your kids on the elephant at the big E. Amazing how many people line up for this, have some empathy and respect...

[Jacobx1212]

Originally Posted by Kristin85

I'm here to address the "animal abuse" aspect that was charged. Yes, there has been been animal abuse going on at Beardsley. I volunteered at the zoo as a child and used to be a member. The zoo is mismanaged. The bear that used to be at the zoo was pacing constantly. This is a severe response to lack of stimulation in a small, confined space and he did not do this when he had a mate. Most zoos put pacing animals in larger enclosures with other animals & objects to treat the behavior. If the zoo cannot do that, they ship the animals to other zoos that are better able to take care of them. Beardsley did not do either of these things. I wrote to the zoo because I saw it happening all of the time when I was a member; they did nothing for YEARS about the issue. Every time I would visit the bear would still be pacing. Only recently the bear was removed or died.

About a year ago I heard through the grapevine about some of the inner workings in the zoo and will not be happy until management has changed. (Not being held for libel so I'm not giving any names.) Many of the slower, calmer animals are being taken care of fine at Beardsley but the zoo does not have appropriate enclosures and stimulation for animals that need it. As much as I loved the zoo as a child, I cannot in good conscience go back as an adult.

I have to disagree with you...I went to Beardsley Zoo and I saw nothing unusual but then again you probably saw that in the past...now the animals are seemingly happy none of them acted differently at the time I came there was no pacing or any other strange behavior

[CTartist]

Originally Posted by pennedin

I took my children to the Beardsley Zoo today in Bridgeport and was shocked! The state of CT is always on these lists for the wealthiest, healthiest, etc... places to be, but this zoo is a dump.

The state of CT should be hiding under a rock over this place, especially when they just gave 115 MILLION dollars to a hedge fund!

The animals look half dead, the "habitats" are non-existent and the place looks like something out of a third world country. Grounds not taken care of, dirty all around, no signs on some buildings, moral low. My gosh, how depressing!

Let them eat cake, anybody?

I was there a few years back before our state budget crisis. We didn't notice any of the things you are saying. We don't even have a budget in this state right now and the non-profits that take care of the disabled have to take furlough days. There is not enough funds for something critical like the disabled.

I do know that the state parks are being short changed right now and I am sure that would include the Beardsley Zoo although I do not now how they get all of their funding. My friends daughter is going to be a veterinary tech and she volunteered at the zoo while in HS. I will ask my friend about the situation at the zoo when I see her. It is a shame.