Thursday, May 20, 2010

Elephant Survey Questions?

I'm working on a survey for my research paper in my English class on the captivity of elephants and need to get various opinions. Can you help me out?


How old are you?


What is your education level?


What is your opinion of captivity of wild animals?


What are your thoughts on captivity as a solution for endangered animals?


Do you believe children would learn as much about animals without the zoo influence?


What role do you believe that tv %26amp; internet would play into a world w/out zoos? Could they provide the same education?


What are your thought on breeding in the zoos? Is this a viable soultion for dwindling populations?


What is the biggest disadvantage and advantage of the zoo?


If you could change 3 things about the zoo - what would you change and why?


What are the advantages and disadvantages of having elephant exhibits?


When was the last time you were a visitor at a zoo?


Thank you for your help. You can either respond here or email responses to lynnh082@yahoo.com.

Elephant Survey Questions?
Age - 35


Degree


Captivity of Wild Animals - Unnecessary, unscientific, specifically for wealth rather than species preservation, if no reduction in the amount of land that humans are taking from animals, then no gain to wild populations.


Captivity as a solution - Its the wrong, possibly easy solution for humans, but not a long term solution for the wild animal. Some animals may take generations to breed out the "wild" gene in them.


Children / Zoo's influence - Yes, its important that children are involved with animals at an early age, and they would perhaps learn more without the imaginary imagery that zoo's offer.


TV/Internet - It would be a different influence, but given the enhancements and involvement by the internet %26amp; tv documentaries, it would give a more realist view (ie animals in wild, not animals in cages).


Breeding - is an expensive way to continue funding without real concerns with the breeds involved. The high failure rates of some animals, with the monies exchanged hands worldwide for mixing the gene pool of species, could be used directly to reduce animal abuse, recreate natural habitat, and reduce the wild trade abuses. Dwindling populations need increase of their natural lands.


Disadvantage - continued belief to visitors that zoos are good.


Advantage - the opening awareness that its not right to leave animals in cages, even with better enclosures than previous years


Changes - 1) All zoos worldwide are funded well enough to ensure no animal is abused ie....if one zoo exists, with profit, it must ensure other zoos also exist without lack of resources (many zoo's would have to close then). 2) no "music or concert programs onsite - that disturb the animals %26amp; while it may raise funds for the zoo - redistribute the breeding funds to go to maintanence, rather than the cultural human experience. 3) No further breeding programs or introduction of animals.... always will be enough animals, and any empty enclosures would mean additional space for current animals


Elephant Exhibits - if they have the space (ie open range zoos) then yes, have them - don't bring in extra. Disadvantages - they are social creatures, with very long family lines - you could never ever have enough elephants in one zoo to bring about healthy, mentally alert and normal elephants.
Reply:How old are you?


24.





What is your education level?


2 Bachelor's degrees.





What is your opinion of captivity of wild animals?


It should only be used as a last resort (when an animal otherwise would not survive) and done by facilities that are properly equipped and experienced to care for them.





What are your thoughts on captivity as a solution for endangered animals?


It is an unfortunate necessity in many cases.





Do you believe children would learn as much about animals without the zoo influence?


It is doubtful, because most of them wouldn't be able to see as many different types of animals in person otherwise, not to mention the camps and classes and other hands-on zoo activities they would miss out on.





What role do you believe that tv %26amp; internet would play into a world w/out zoos? Could they provide the same education?


They can certainly be helpful and informative, but there is no substitute for experiencing something in person. You don't get quite the same sense of awe and, in the case of endangered species, urgency.





What are your thought on breeding in the zoos? Is this a viable solution for dwindling populations?


Zoos keep careful track of the captive gene pools via stud books, and they employ various birth control methods as well to prevent inbreeding and to account for limited exhibit space.





What is the biggest disadvantage and advantage of the zoo?


Zoos enable those who will never see animals in the wild to develop an appreciation for wildlife. Unfortunately, zoos do not have endless resources of space, budget, etc., so like any organization they must prioritize and function within their means.





If you could change 3 things about the zoo - what would you change and why?


I would require all zoos to update their older exhibits to modern enclosures that closely resemble the animals' natural habitats. I would give the zoos larger budgets so they could enact my first change as well as make other improvements. I would also publicize their ongoing research more to the public, specifically about zoo enrichment:


http://www.helium.com/tm/263663





What are the advantages and disadvantages of having elephant exhibits?


They can act as ambassadors of their species to the public and have immediate access to a healthy diet. However, many captive elephants develop foot and joint problems.





When was the last time you were a visitor at a zoo?


Last weekend.
Reply:How old are you?


17





What is your education level?


I am about to graduate High School.





What is your opinion of captivity of wild animals?


I believe captivity for entertainment is one of the many evils of mankind. However, if an animal is injured and there is a possibilty of rehabilitation for the animal, followed by a successful release, it is a worthwhile endevour.





What are your thoughts on captivity as a solution for


endangered animals?


It is a great idea, as long as it is done in moderation. Human intervention isn't always the solution, but if a humane and successful method comes about for a particular species that proves to increase population, then it is worth our time and efforts.





Do you believe children would learn as much about animals without the zoo influence?


It is possible, if adults care enough to teach them. Having a zoo experience does indeed spark interest as well as curiosity.





What role do you believe that tv %26amp; internet would play into a world w/out zoos?


Both would provide windows into a realm of education and creativity.





Could they provide the same education?


With technology advancing as fast as it is, they could definitely provide the same, if not better education.





What are your thought on breeding in the zoos?


Again, if done in moderation, and only where needed. Breeding fish to the point of overcrouding isn't the best idea, but on the other hand, if the species is endangered it should be encouraged. Panda bears are an example of when breeding in the zoos is a good idea.





Is this a viable soultion for dwindling populations?


Yes, as long as they are being bred to be released into the wild without being dependent on humans.





What is the biggest disadvantage and advantage of the zoo?


Advantage: Education


Disadvantage: Animal Abuse





If you could change 3 things about the zoo - what would you change and why?


1: Harsher screenings for staff at ALL zoos


2: More rehabilitation and release when possible


3: Less entertainment, more education





What are the advantages and disadvantages of having elephant exhibits?


Advantage: Education


Disadvantage: Abuse





When was the last time you were a visitor at a zoo?


Two years ago
Reply:In the future if you need assistance writing better survey questions may I recommend checking online first for guidance. For example:





http://manyitems.tripod.com/links.html


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