An Entertainment Abuses Articles from All-Creatures.org

When Family-Friendly Isn't Animal-Friendly

From Animal Rights Coalition
March 2023

Using animals to satisfy human desires is normalized in our society. For parents seeking to raise kids who have compassion and respect for animals, combatting the normalization of animal exploitation can be an uphill battle. 

After up to six long months of fighting their restraints, these once curious and energetic elephants are broken. When they stop trying to run away from their trainers during daily walks, training begins in earnest.

Using animals to satisfy human desires is normalized in our society. For parents seeking to raise kids who have compassion and respect for animals, combatting the normalization of animal exploitation can be an uphill battle.

Activities that are consided family-friendly events often involve confined animals. Grandma may offer a membership to the zoo, or a favorite uncle might suggest a trip to the Renaissance Festival for an elephant ride. School field trips to an aquarium or a family outing to the Minnesota State Fair to see baby piglets in the Miracle of Birth Center sound like educational opportunities, but what exactly are these activities teaching children?

Animals used for entertainment are forced to live in situations where they are subjected to stress and fear, living in environments designed for human enjoyment, not the animals’ individual needs.
What children learn from these sad places is how animals act when they are separated from their families, kept in captivity, and denied everything that is natural and important to them. If we want to teach our children to respect animals, we must allow animals to live according to their natures.
Sanctuaries are a growing and ethical alternative to animals kept in captivity and “on display.”

Legitimate sanctuaries do not buy, sell, or trade animals, nor are they glorified petting zoos; they restrict access to animals, forgoing the revenue of general admission and attractions. Instead, they rely primarily on public donations for support. For wild animals who cannot be returned to their natural habitats, true sanctuaries offer the best alternative.

There are many ways to learn about the natural world without holding animals captive for their lifetimes. Let’s encourage parents to seek more compassionate, inspiring, and educational activities for their children. 

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