Leading on form the creationist debate in the US forums, I'd thought I would create its equivalent in the general forum. Does Religion have a place in modern Zoos? I have already expressed myslef on the matter in the US forum, but will post again later on.
Not sure how to reply to this but I believe Religon may have a place, but Evolution should be the most taught and educated when visiting zoos, especially as can see it when you just look at the animals in natural exhibits and see how they've adapted.
I don't really think so to be honest, just seems wrong IMO when kids are being taught in school that animals evolved, and then going to another education facility and being taught that a higher being put them there and they all got saved by a guy on a boat.
Ashley-h: We finally COMPLETELY agree on something! I am shocked/saddened that in the 21st century the world seems to be moving backwards from rationality to fundamentalism (the Christian right in the US, Muslim extremists in many places, Jewish "settlers" believing they have a God-given right to take land from the Palestinians, etc. etc.) But then a recent poll revealed 18% of Americans believe the sun revolves around the earth (!!!), so I've pretty much given up hope for a future based on science and rationality.....
The only place where I've seen a worthy case made for religion and zoos being mixed is in the Jerusalem Zoo which shows people animals that were once found there in Biblical times. This has a strong historic and conservation message. There really isn't any other zoo on the planet that could pull this off.
Although they exhibit plenty of animals that were never specifically mentioned in the bible--although of course Noah somehow crammed two of every species on earth onto his boat so I guess that would mean anything could qualify!
True enough, but the concept is still there and that at least counts for something. Although if we take that concept to its logical, yet extreme end, we get Elephant Odyssey.
I say no. Zoos should be educational regarding science, conservation, and geography. Maybe eco-toursim as well. Religion being taught in zoos would contradict the science aspect. Plus, who are zoos to teach one religions beliefs over another? Also, in the US, many zoos are supported by the government, and there's that pesky separation from church and state thing.
Noah's breeding programme was more advanced (which could be an educational tool in itself) than most of us give him credit for if you read Genesis 7: 1 Then the LORD said to Noah, "Go into the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you are righteous before me in this generation. 2 Take with you seven pairs of all clean animals, the male and his mate; and a pair of the animals that are not clean, the male and his mate; 3 and seven pairs of the birds of the air also, male and female, to keep their kind alive upon the face of all the earth. What the creationists can't grasp is that these stories are myths designed to tell higher truths, if you choose to listen and pick out the sensible parts (which of course is the tricky bit). Religion should be about learning and contemplation, not blind faith (I'm not religious at all btw).
Thankyou, that is my point exactly. It was asked on the other thread if those that believe in creation have done any kind of science. I studied biology all through school as I was thinking of going into zoologoy marine biology. I still believe in creation. I find it hard to believe that there was nothing, then a bang then evolution just randomly occured for no real reason. My belief is in a creator. I don't doubt that evolution occurs, you'd have to be stupid to think otherwise. BUT. . . as above alludes to the Bible was written by men, it's a bit like chinese whispers stories change and I don't personally believe that they are to be taken as fact. men screw things up. I believe it is in the best interest of the poublic to have a knowledge of all the theories and beliefs of the clients, just as I believe it is important for children in schools to learn about the cultures and beliefs of others. Why does this seem to be so hard for some people to grasp. I would also like to note that it is actually illegal in some States of the US to teach Darwinism.
Specifically, the mission of the zoo in terms of animals exhibited is 'To establish a zoological collection and maintain it under optimal living conditions, in an effort to preserve rare animals and species threatened with extinction. Prominently featured in the collection are animals from the Land of Israel, with special emphasis on those species mentioned in the Bible.' One of the great things about the zoo is that it is enjoyed by all sectors of society, Arab and Jewish, religious and secular.
Not quite true. It is perfectly legal to teach Evolution (let's please stop calling it Darwinism it make it seem like people actually worship Darwin). In fact in most cases it is quite the opposite, it is illegal to teach creationism. That said a lot of places simply don't teach it or there is legislation in place to either "teach the controversy" or "explain the weaknesses." We just had a huge battle in my home state of Texas where the state school board was debating the inclusion of creationism. If you think this is just one state, think again. Basically, what goes in Texas, goes in every other state because of the school textbook industry. The publishers don't want to publish multiple versions of their book so they choose one state to represent all the others, that state is Texas. In my own case, when I was in high school biology, I specifically asked the teacher if we would learn evolution as it was a subject that I was interested in. Her basic response was that "I'm not touching that with a ten-foot pole." I have a feeling that a lot of people are in this boat, and will go out on a limb saying that most people who expound the glories of creationism never have been taught evolution or were taught it so poorly that they have no comprehension of it.
I don't think zoos should get involved with religion. Many years ago some people asked me to identify a bird at Chester Zoo. I did so and told them how it had evolved from some other closely related species (sorry I don't remember what I was telling them about). They listened intently and after I had finished speaking the man went off about how wrong I was and that he believed in the Bible and how evolution could not possibly have taken place. He is entitled to his viewpoint, but I object to being told I am wrong. I just believe in something that he evidently did not. His wife seemed quite embarrased; though it does show that religious people do visit zoos. Another example occurred at Chester on 8th August when I saw at least 12 nuns. Now that's something I've never seen in a zoo before.
