Do you think going to Zoos& Aquariums provide as much info & joy as seeing "Animal Atlas" or "Nature" TV pgms?

Question

Are Zoos & Aquariums doing as good a teaching job when it comes to learning about different species, their habitats, and ecosystems?

Answer 1

An important part of learning is observation, observation is the key to science as well as understanding how different things interact. TV programs usually do a good job with giving information but there is a lack of observation. Observation is a lesson in itself that can not be taught in a TV program. in this case to learn about the animals it is important to actually see the animals in a simulated ecosystem

Answer 2

I think TV and books can be more informative, but a zoo or aquarium is a better experience.

Answer 3

Seeing animals in real life is preferable because a lot of the tv footage you see in nature shows has come about after the animals have been 'bullied' into the viewed pose.    How many times have you seen these nature people jump on animals, chase them, pick them up, throw a rope around them, grab them by the tail,head, legs etc.etc.etc.   This isn't natural is it ?   That guy in Australia that was killed by a stingray was one of the worst and he must have done something for the ray to defend itself.

Answer 4

Kids love field trips so of course they would say that would be more than fun than watching an informative show.  More fun yes, but will they learn more?  I don't agree, but I'm sure there are some great facilities out there that could prove me wrong.

I prefer National Geographic, PBS and such.

I find it sad to see animals in captivity, not to mention many of them behave much differently than they would in the wild.

I have been unimpressed at times with how animals are kept in captivity and I think by penning them up we are giving children a false sense of what the animal world is really about.

You won't see the plight of the polar bears at a zoo~

You can't know of the sadness of poaching seeing an elephant or gorilla in captivity...

I think that programs for tv, etc are far better at showing and teaching you about the real animal world and that zoos/aquariums are the fun/joyful part of the learning experience.  I think the shows give a broader learning base, you can witness the good and the bad of nature without human interference.  Good question :)

Answer 5

Some are better than others.    We went to the aquarium this weekend - it gets the kids walking, actually seeing and in some cases touching the animals.    We touched stingrays on Saturday.   Can't do that on TV.

Answer 6

Seeing a live animal up close and personal is always an amazing experience for me.  Much more exciting and interesting than just seeing one on TV.  I think seeing a live animal brings more respect and awe for that animal.    TV just does not do that.  

Answer 7

I'd say it depends on the Zoo/Aquarium really.  I went to one that did a great job however I know there are some that don't really care about teaching.  I'd say overall, a television program does a more direct job teaching people about the species, habitats, and ecosystems because its target is one generation usually.  When you go to a zoo/aquarium they target to children usually and figure the kids wont understand.

Nice question.

Answer 8

It pretty much depends on where you go.  I like nature shows, but SeaWorld is my favorite amusement park on the planet - even more than Disney.  They teach and allow you the best possible access to sea creatures while still providing them with the best habitat possible under the circumstances.

Looking into a creatures eyes is a pretty strong teaching tool that just can't be duplicated on a screen.