Time has run out for zoos. Going by the argument that zoos are no longer what they used to be, they are now centres of science, let them become that entirely. When an animal is put to sleep to keep the population genetically sound and is thereafter dissected and fed to lions which in turn are put away to make room for a new generation, all in the presence of visitors, including children, there’s something foul in the state of Denmark.

The first zoos of the modern world appeared 300 years ago: they included human exhibits. Among them was the ‘Hottentot Venus’ shown in England and France. She was a person, with a name — Saartjie Baartman — and feelings. After she died, her remains were put on display. Giraffe Marius’ story is not much different. The better zoos have always brought joy. But there’s a problem when we appoint ourselves arbiters of the fate of species. We didn’t create them. We have no right to kill them, except in self-defence.

Plucking an animal from its habitat and forcing it outside its circle of familiarity is cruel, unnatural and unnecessary. Animals need to live among other living species, including humans, not in separate enclosures or cages or pits. They — and we — are part of a chain of life that no brain can ever comprehend, let alone replicate or improve. And if we want to experiment on them, then we must do so in laboratories and scientific facilities. Not in zoos.

In any case, technology brings everything to our homes these days. The most amazing footage of the wild – real and imagined – is on our channels 24x7. Some of the work is inspiring, some of the poking and prodding of animals plain disgusting. But we get to see that too thanks to the mad Marks and Mikes of the world.

Senior Assistant Editor

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