From Park River National Wildlife Refuge
Great photos should never come at the expense of the health and well-being of wildlife. Snowy and barred owls that are active on the refuge this time of year are vulnerable. They need to be able to rest and fuel for the winter season when food is scarcer and temperatures are low. We have received increasing reports of unethical wildlife watching behavior, including intentionally flushing birds, chasing birds from site to site, gathering in large and lingering crowds that never give the bird a break, and getting too close to the owls.
We are grateful for those who have exhibited ethical wildlife watching behavior, and who have done their part to encourage others to do the same. We urge everyone to remember that refuges are for wildlife. In an area of increasing development, the refuge provides critical habitat for owls and other species with few other places to go. Please respect their space.
It is a common misconception that if a bird doesn't flush, it is not bothered. Large and lingering crowds, as well as visitors coming too close, leads to stress, and increased heart rates that can result in the bird being too exhausted to flee. You can help ensure owl populations remain healthy by following the guidance below and putting the well- being of wildlife first.
Read about how you can be a good ambassador for wildlife here.
It usually isn't hard to spot a bad zoo. The vibe with the animals is so drastically different.
Every living thing deserves respect! I feel it says something about us how we treat our fellow beings.
Yeah. Honestly my country has one of the best zoos in the world so I always felt confused overseas when the vibe was so different when I visited their zoos.
I learned a lot later that my country's zoo is considered pretty top tier. Wide enclosures, space for the animals to hide away if they didn't like being seen, consideration for their habitat requirements etc. Comparing that with zoos that are tiny spaces, full visual exposure to tourists and one lonely animal moping inside is just so sad.
I went to a zoo once with someone who wanted to see the white tiger cub they were promoting. It was in an industrial park and was pretty much a pound inside a warehouse building. It felt like being in some government dark site. 🥺
I'd love to go to Africa someday to see some of these big animals in the wild. I'd love to see a hippo pod or flocks of giant birds soaring over the plains.