Como Zoo

User Rating: 1 out of 5 stars

My mom, niece and my children recently visited Como Zoo in St. Paul, having been there before we all knew what we were likely to see, that is the sadness in each animal's eyes.
We went to the Primates building and saw the Spider Monkeys in their fake environment of cement trees, stagnant air, cement ground and dirty plexi-glass sky. They looked so completely bored, nothing at all like the active, swinging social ones you see on nature programs.
At one point a particular monkey came over to the glass and looked at us then pressed his hand against the glass and put his head down. The feeling conveyed was that of utter hopelessness. It was as if he sensed that we understood and there was an unspoken communication. Not long after, another monkey slowly approached and put her arm around the first and lay her head upon him in a comforting gesture. We all felt very overwhelmed with sadness for these sweet creatures.
The other "exhibits" in the Primates building are the same thing, a room of cement forms protruding from the cement ground with the most natural thing in any room being the "hemp" ropes that dangle here and there.
Thousands of people visit this place to teach their kids about "wild" animals. Is this truly what we want to teach? How to put animals on display and take away all their dignity and subject them to a life of imprisonment in an artificial world, one that has absolutely no resemblance to their natural habitat?
My mom made a reference to zoo's being an archaic idea. I agree, why can't we do away with these outdated institutions and show these animals respect by letting them live out the rest of their days in a more fitting habitat and then put our focus on more respectful ways to TRULY learn about and understand these animals in the future? Let's use our technology in a non-invasive way to understand these animals. If we can put up cameras on city streets to view passerby's, why can't we do the same in these natural habitats?
How can it be that we have done so much and come so far in the way of technology, human rights, inventions, even exploration of our world and others, yet we still view animals, their feelings and rights like we're in the Dark Ages?
Walking away that day our spirits were low, but there seemed to be a message, one that is there for anyone willing to open up their eyes, and heart. Ours came from the Spider Monkeys, but yours may come from the Lions, giraffes, polar bears or the seals. The message is to evolve. We must evolve our consciousness and be stewards of the Earth and her creatures so that we may fulfill our obligations as caretakers.
The memory of that Spider monkey touching my child's hand through the glass, is what gives me hope. Take your children so that they may see and learn and in return bring about change for a better way.

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User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

One of the Last Free Zoos: Como Zoo is one of the best zoos in the nation to visit. Clean, and well kept. This zoo is perfect for the family. Sparky’s show can’t be missed. But the Polar Bear exhibit is hit every time we go.

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