There is a world somewhere between reality and fiction. Although ignored by many, it is very real and so are those living in it. This forum is about the natural world. Here, wild animals will be heard and respected. The forum offers a glimpse into an unknown world as well as a room with a view on the present and the future. Anyone able to speak on behalf of those living in the emerald forest and the deep blue sea is invited to join.
(10-25-2018, 01:15 PM)brotherbear Wrote: I'm curious as to how captive big cats compare physically with their wild brothers and sisters. I understand that being dependent on the individual people caring for them, that some captive zoo or circus big cats will be healthier than others. But overall, on average, would the captive animals be healthier than those living in the wild?
Even if the captive big cats live much more times than in wild and can be bigger, you cannot compare: free big cats are much more stronger. Life in wild mobilises all the senses. The captive felids bore to death and the boredom is seldom mortal, fatal.
Not a simple question, depending a lot how you approach it. Of course when in good place and getting medical care and good nutrition, physically they have to be in excellent condition. Then again mentally it is more complex matter. It is sad to see wild animals in captivity without a really good reason.
I can understand people like Doug Seus, who have taken some orphanages, which would have died otherwise. When giving a good place to live and really giving to these animals some meaningful activities, it is difficult to see them suffer there. Still my opinion is, that animals shouldn´t be in captivity unless there is some real meaning to conservation of those animals. Too many quite sad places among zoos.