Dennis,

You're right we are sensitive to the criticism of animal rights groups and
others about animals in captivity. Since we also try to educate about the
impact of the pet trade we have historically, found ourselves in something
of a moral quandry. I suspect that the sensitivity has become hard wired in
my brain over the past nine years.

When I first came to the zoo animals were still being taken from the wild for
exihibt purposes which is increasingly rare now. Our internal debates were
endless (sort of like a tweeters thread). Currently most zoos are managing
collections and developing new exhibits based on their education and
conservation objectives. There is a limited amount of space in zoos so we
need to plan better if we're to both provide capacity for breeding endangered
species and to interpret the natural world to our visitors. Most come for a
recreational experience and know little of the science and conservation work
being done.

Actually I'm really proud of the work we do, particularly the education
programs but yeh, I'm still sensitive. And if the Spotted Owl were
releasable, and suitable habitat were available I'd vote to release her.

Mike Waller
WP Zoo