According
to government studies of school shootings, including an impressive document
from the Department of Education, bullying can cause anger and thus has caused
those bullied to strike out and shoot their fellow students. Bullying includes name-calling, taunts, and
physical contact. Many school shooters
claimed they had been treated badly and simply wanted payback.
Reflecting
on this, could human behavior or bullying, have played a part in the tiger mauling a few years ago? This is not to say that we should blame the
victim, which is, in my opinion, a travesty.
But there are more than human victims here aren’t there.
As
it stands, we do not know for sure, as several sources state, that the boys who
survived the tiger mauling bullied and taunted her and may have instigated the
attack. Whether they did or didn’t
doesn’t bring the young man or the tiger back to us.
But
just the idea that they could have, necessitates a discussion on what should be
appropriate shared space or public behavior. This is especially important to demonstrate
when visiting someone else’s home,
which is exactly what a zoo is; it is home to zoo animals, and we are only
visitors.
Please
read on for the rules.
Adults with Children
Do
not leave children unattended and always watch them.
Children
should not be encouraged or allowed to climb exhibit railings or fences, touch,
or feed animals.
If
escorting a group of children, call before your visit to inquire about the
recommended ratio of adults to children. Typically, it is 5 children per adult.
Select
a place to meet in case a child is separated from the group.
Children
Stay
with your group; do not run or create excessive noise. Animals can scare easily, so this type of
behavior could be very unsettling for them.
Do
not throw any type of object anywhere inside the zoo.
Most
zoos object to skateboards, bikes, and skates.
Even if your zoo allows them, it is best to leave them at home. We do not skate or bike in someone’s home.
All Guests
Follow
all rules mentioned above.
Do
not pick flowers
or climb trees.
Do
not feed the animals. Animals are on a
specialized diet and could become sick if fed something not on their diet.
If
animals are roaming around the grounds, such as ducks and geese, respect their
space. Do not rush toward them and observe
from a safe distance.
Move
slowly when observing animals in cages or in exhibits. More than likely you will see more.
Do
not climb on exhibit railings or fences.
Stay
on recommended paths.
Do
not litter.
Skip
the earbuds. The animals do not want to
hear your music.
Do
not complain loudly about empty exhibits.
Animals may not be in view for an important reason. Return later.
Besides, loud noises can cause animals to become frightened or
aggressive.
Do
not tap on exhibit windows, as this also frightens animals. Plus, it is disrespectful.
Most
zoos do not allow alcohol, smoking, or pets—good rule. It is best to just assume yours follows these
same rules and abide by them.
Lastly
Finally,
it is disrespectful to make fun of or imitate an animal or its behavior. In
fact, Jack Hanna, director emeritus of the Columbus Zoo, and well-known animal
expert has used the ‘R’ word in various interviews since the attack when
referring to human behavior toward animals in zoos. The ‘R’ word in this instance is respect.
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