How I Got OK with Taking My Kids to the Zoo

Navigating the ethical dilemmas of captivity and our family's journey in compassion

Welcome to Eyes + Ears—the monthly dose of inspiration, ideas and reflection. Today, I’ll explore how our family approaches our visits to the zoo and share some books and shows that celebrate nature and our animal friends.

Photo: Jo-Anne McArthur

If you know me, you understand the significance of taking my kids to the zoo. As an animal activist, I founded my own organization, Citizens Lobbying for Animals in Zoos, when I was just 12. I detail my '90s campaigns for zoo animals in my YA memoir, "Bear Boy."

Now, fast forward 30-some years, and my family are proud zoo members. Just last week, we visited three times. When we're not at the zoo, we're discussing when our next visit will be. My kids are pretty obsessed, and if I'm honest, so am I—but not without some internal strife.

One of the values I aim to instill in my kids is compassion for all living things, recognizing that humans are animals too, not separate from the natural world. I worry that zoo visits might normalize incarceration and convey the wrong message about our relationship with animals—that somehow they exist solely for our entertainment. The zoo industry has long justified the suffering of individual animals for the supposed greater good of the species. 'Ambassador animals' are bred to maintain captive populations, resulting in a constant flow of baby animals to lure visitors. These babies and their parents are frequently separated and transferred between zoos—an industry I've never been comfortable supporting.

The zoo just a few miles from our San Francisco home has an abysmal record, with a history of poor management, improper allocation of public funding, animal attacks, thefts of animals from their enclosures, and a long list of questionable animal deaths—stories that echo at zoos worldwide.

Our family travels 20 miles to the Oakland Zoo, a world away from the typical zoo experience. The Oakland Zoo has long championed animal welfare and advocated for legislation supporting animals, such as banning bullhooks (a weapon used to train elephants) and enacting the Big Cat Public Safety Act, which prohibits private ownership of big cats and bans public contact with them. Their innovative California Trail area sets the standard for future zoos, offering large, naturalistic enclosures for rescued California-native animals. The majority of the zoo's residents are rescued from private ownership and the illegal wildlife trade, and Oakland actively works to reintroduce endangered species to the wild, including Foothill yellow-legged frogs and North American bison.

Noah and Uma at the Oakland Zoo recently.

Despite these efforts, I'm aware of the fundamental issue: I'm still taking my kids to a place where animals are confined for human observation. To reconcile this, I engage them in open discussions, fostering critical thinking and empathy. I encourage them to reflect on how the animals might feel in their cages and discuss the difference between rescued animals and those born into captivity, destined for transfer between zoos away from their families. Recently, we observed a camel displaying aggressive head swaying. I heard too many parents say “look they are dancing,” I explain to my kids that such repetitive behavior indicates mental distress—a teachable moment into the emotional lives of animals. “Camels can travel up to 20 miles a day in the wild, but they can’t travel much at all in that cage” I explain. On our next visit, Noah noticed that the camel wasn’t swaying. “Look papa, he seems happier today.”

While I don't fundamentally believe that the educational value of zoos justifies keeping animals in captivity, I'm inspired by the curiosity and wonder the Oakland Zoo ignites in my kids. Their willingness to follow the “quiet coyote” rule as they wander around, the awe in their eyes as they observe grizzly bears foraging for food, the social skills Noah has developed requesting collectible animal cards from zoo volunteers, how much we talk about animals and learn about their stories long after we are back from the zoo. It’s all pretty powerful, my 12 year-old self is reluctant to say. 

If you're in the Bay Area, I encourage you to visit the Oakland Zoo. If not, there are other progressive zoos in the US worth supporting. The Detroit Zoo was the first accredited zoo to send its elephants to sanctuaries over welfare concerns. Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago has long been a leader in captive chimpanzee welfare and rescue. The National Aquarium is committed to developing and placing its dolphins in a seaside sanctuary.

If you are not close to any of those, you can search for a wildlife facility that is accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries or research your local zoo—AZA accreditation is a small step.

• How does your zoo prioritize animal welfare?

• Are there rescued animals there?

• Are individual animal stories highlighted, or are they treated only as representatives of their species?

• Do the animals display natural or repetitive behavior? 

For us, a visit to the zoo is more than a leisurely outing; they spark conversations about our role as stewards of the natural world. It's a journey of education, empathy, and advocacy as we navigate the complexities of keeping animals in cages, the importance of animal welfare and how we strive for harmonious coexistence with all living beings.

Some of Our favorite animal friendly books…

Hello Hello by Brendan Wenzel 

We love 'Hello Hello.' It’s so fun to get to know all of the animals and celebrate their unique traits. This was one of the first books that got Noah really curious about animals. It’s beautifully illustrated and offers a simple exploration of Earth's unique creatures, showcasing species classified as endangered, vulnerable, and threatened around the world, while highlighting our connectedness.

Bird House by Blanca Gómez

A heartwarming tale about a grandmother and grandchild tenderly nursing an injured bird together. This story has a sweet message about caring for all creatures, celebrating the wonders of nature, and the art of letting go.

Our Animal Neighbors: Compassion for Every Furry, Slimy, Prickly Creature on Earth by Matthieu Ricard

I really like this book and how it positions animals as our neighbors, emphasizing the importance of taking care eachother. There are references to the different industries that impact animals, advocates for a vegetarian diet at the end of the book, and highlighting how we can treat all of Earth's creatures with compassion and empathy.

Some media with positive animal messages.

There are numerous films that convey heartfelt messages about our connection with animals and the natural world. In "Moana," the bond between Moana and her chicken and pig companions delivers a delightful message celebrating these animals. "How to Train Your Dragon" resonates with me because it encourages viewers to question the narratives adults construct about our world. While "Bee Movie" may have some jokes that feel dated, its exploration of a bee taking on the honey industry offers a thought-provoking and engaging storyline. Noah is a huge fan of “Wild Kratts,“ where he learns about new animals and why conservation is so important.

Growing Compassion, Taking action

Jane Goodall's Roots and Shoots program holds a special place in my heart. The program's 4-Step Formula is an amazing guiding light, empowering young people to delve into their passions and translate them into projer. Taking action helps nurtures the growth of compassionate traits. These traits not only foster a deeper sense of self and purpose but also ripple outwards, creating positive impacts that resonate with people, animals, and the environment. Check out their Family Toolkit for guidance and support to create a project that resonates with things that matter to your family.

Ok. This a wrap on the second Eyes + Ears. Do you have any favorite books, projects, podcast or shows you love? I’d love to hear about them!

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