RE: NANFA-- Probability of Dead Stuff

Jay DeLong (thirdwind_at_att.net)
Fri, 8 Sep 2000 07:59:52 -0700

Ray, I agree with all you say except perhaps that zoos are necessarily good
substitutes for people in cities who can't see animals in the wild. They
CAN be, yes, but when people come to see zoos and aquaria as acceptable
substitutes for healthy populations in native environments, I get nervous
that the public will see that as a viable solution everywhere. (What's
next-- eggs and sperm in liquid nitrogen? They take up less space and don't
have to be fed.) :-)

I love the Animal Planet channel (except for the thrill-seekers who dive
with sharks and stupid sensational stuff like that). The Crocodile Hunter
and Mark O'Shea are doing wonders for education on animal plights and
diversity and such. And these shows are coming right into the homes of
people in cities, too! I wish we had such personalities doing education for
North America's animals-- especially fishes and herps. There was a guy in
South Carolina named Rudy Mancke who had a nature show on SC public TV. He
traveled to natural places all over the country. I don't know that his show
had wide distribution, but it was sure entertaining and educational.

--
Jay DeLong
Olympia, WA

> -----Original Message----- > From: owner-nanfa_at_aquaria.net On Behalf > Of R. W. Wolff > Sent: Thursday, September 07, 2000 9:46 PM > To: nanfa_at_aquaria.net > Subject: Re: NANFA-- Probability of Dead Stuff > > > Don't forget, as long as man has been around, he has been a predator of > animals. Modern people seem to forget this, the same people > wanting to ban > hunting, fishing, trapping, and next keeping fish as pets. Albeit humans > are much more common now, but also, less of a percent of the population > predates on other creatures, turning to farm raised proteins. > Also, in all > the gloom of the press, lets not forget all the great things mankind has > done for the "wilds". nature is ever changing , and we are all part of it > and not the only ones who change the natural balance of things( I > will admit > we , other than weather, do the largest visible changes). I > agree with the > fact Disney movies have painted an all to rosy picture of what > wildlife AND > man is like. Thumper would certainly been a snack for Owl! If > Children are > taught what the wilderness is really like, they will have a greater > appreciation for it. The best we can do for those in the large cities far > removed from the untamed places is zoos and aquariums that show it like it > is. There are many programs voluntarily sponsored by hunting and fishing > groups that give city kids a look at what its like, and they are > better for > it. That is one reason keeping native fish in an aquarium is so > rewarding! > People from local non - native fish clubs who tour my ponds and > fishroom are > certainly amazed, and go home with a greater appreciation of what is > swimming in our own backyards. > Ray

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