Could the safari zoo format be the zoo style of the future?

For animal lovers, zoos present obstacles. Zoos introduce the public to animals that they may likely never see, and as a result, not be as concerned about protecting along with their habitats. And zookeepers are among the most educated and concerned about the animals they care for. At the same time, no animal should be caged just for the amusement of the public. But what if the zoos of the future were cage-free like a safari zoo?

The Danish architectural firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) is working on a safari zoo in Denmark called Zootopia that it hopes will be the zoo of the future. It’s all about the successful cohabitation of humans and different species of animals. Though it’s still in the concept phase, it will be made up of entire habitats of animals that like to be together in larger groups.

“Which means you won’t have a lonely tiger walking around inside a cage,” Bjarke Ingels says on NPR. “You’ll have … all kinds of animals that like to be together in larger groups, so that we can actually create entire habitats.”

Zootopia will resemble a giant crater where humans can look over the edge and have incredible views of the animals in their habitats. It will be divided into three sections: Africa, America, and Asia. Visitors will move through the park in all kinds of ways like cable cars, bikes, boats, and cars.

“The idea is interfacing with animals in completely new ways,” Ingels says on NPR. “What we’ve tried to do is eliminate all traces of human architecture.”

It makes me think of Jurassic Park minus the dinosaurs and the innate danger.

“The main contribution of Zootopia to the animal welfare is that because they are all social animals, they live really live with much more space than in a typical zoo,” he says. “Both the human experience and the animal experience is going to be much more exciting.”

It’s a thrilling idea and I can’t wait to pay this park a visit. Although we’re still five years away from its opening.

Related on EcoSalon

Costa Rica Says Keeping Zoo Animals Isn’t a Natural Experience

Zoological Parks in Paris Eliminate Bear Exhibits

The Body Shop’s Against Animal Testing Campaign

Image: Karen Roe

The post A Safari Zoo? What If All Zoo Animals Were Cage-Free? appeared first on EcoSalon.

Costa Rica is freeing the nation’s zoo animals  by next year, seeking a more ‘natural’ experience for its residents and visitors.

One of only four countries in the world that has banned live dolphin performances, Costa Rica recognizes dolphins as non-human persons, and moved away from forcing them to perform in captivity. In 2002, the country also banned circuses that use animals in performances. And now, the Latin American country says it will do the same for all caged zoo animals in the nation’s zoo exhibits.

Costa Rica has no army and spends much of its resources instead on environmental conservation and education. According to the country’s Environment Minister, Rene Castro, capital city San Jose will turn its 97-year-old Simon Bolivar zoo into an educational and environmentally-friendly botanical park next year. The Santa Ana Conservation Center, another zoo west of San Jose, will also close. More than 400 zoo animals from both facilities will be either released into the wild or sent to rescue centers or sanctuaries to live out the rest of their days.

“We’re going to get rid of cages and reinforce the concept of a botanical park so the biodiversity can be shown and interacted with in a natural manner. We don’t want any more captivity, any more caging of animals, unless it’s because they’re being rescued or saved,” said Castro in a bold move that illustrates the inhumane nature of keeping animals in captivity, particularly when so many species are threatened or endangered around the world.

Adding to the emotional decision, Castro shared a memory from his childhood, where his grandmother’s parrot left her porch for good: “One day, we took the parrot out to the patio, and a flock of wild parrots passed, and the parrot went with them,” he told La Nacion. “It made a big impression on me because I thought that we were taking good care of her. We fed her with food and affection. … all these things that we as humans thought she liked. And when she had the chance, she left.”

Zoo animals, while often appear to like their natural-looking exhibits, can experience a number of problems. From zoocosis—a condition that leads to bizarre animal behavior sometimes requiring antidepressant medication—to physical ailments from standing long periods in small enclosures, to diet-related health issues.

The documentary “Blackfish,” which is in theaters now, highlights the terrible tragedy of a SeaWorld trainer killed by Tilikum, the largest orca whale to ever live in captivity. It’s an adept commentary on the archaic practice of keeping animals in cages, or pools, as the case may be.

While considerably more animals each year are imprisoned, tortured and killed for food (tens of billions worldwide), the practice of keeping the planet’s most majestic creatures in cages is no less horrific, and perhaps even less justifiable, particularly in a country like Costa Rica where forests and jungles are naturally abundant in a number of wild animal populations.

Related stories

Ditch the Zoos and Circuses: 7 Animal Friendly Summer Activities (Without the Chains)

Movie Review: ‘Blackfish’–SeaWorld’s Six Ton Killer Secret

Keep in touch with Jill on Twitter @jillettinger

Image:  mariusz kluzniak

The post Banned: Costa Rica Says Keeping Zoo Animals is not a ‘Natural Experience’ appeared first on EcoSalon.