confict between my values & "fun" activity - Page 2

[KC in KS]

How about supporting another zoo?

I know our local zoo does reciprocal memberships with a ton of zoos nationwide. So theoretically, you could purchase a membership from a zoo you're comfortable with (supporting them with your $$), and then you've got "free admission" when someone wants to take your child to your local zoo.

[NYCVeg]

A great option is an animal sanctuary (like Farm Sanctuary or similar). Not only do they do phenomenal work for animals, but they often allow your dc to "get to know" the animals in a much closer, more intimate way.

This is another one that I'm struggling with...in DC, the National Zoo is a major hang-out for parents and it's free. I'm pretty opposed to zoos, though, although I do understand that some do some good work. I draw the line at any circuses that use animals, Sea World, and the like, however. I could never in good conscience patronize these places.

I guess I *might* consider making exceptions for zoos that I've researched, but probably only if I talked to my dc about my concerns about zoos in general. OTOH, there are so many wonderful places that your family can take your kids--museums (many of which have exhibits that teach about animals), botanical gardens, children's theater, parks, puppet shows, dance performances, "natural" habitats in your area (streams, rivers, ponds, or beaches, for instance, where your dc might be able to see fish and other wildlife without disturbing them), as well as tons of great educational books, videos, and computer software about more exotic animals. So it seems to me that there's not necessarily a reason to get hung up on whether or not to go to a zoo when there are lots of other animal- and non-animal-related options.