I love the Philadelphia Zoo, too, and I agree with the words of praise for it you have published here.

But I am wondering why you say “I think our zoo represents the minimal acceptance level of how animals should be treated and housed in a caged environment.” The use of the phrase “minimal acceptance level” does not quite fit with all your other comments about the Zoo.

I have been a member of the Philadelphia Zoo since 1969, and visited the Zoo at least twice a month throughout most of the years. I believe the Zoo has always been much closer to the “maximum acceptance level” in its treatment of captive animals.

When research indicates that zoos might not be adequately meeting the needs of some species, it is difficult for them to modify the animals’ environment quickly. But the Philadelphia Zoo has always been one of the swiftest to make changes when necessary.

Furthermore, I am convinced that whenever anything was discovered to be lacking in an animal’s environment, whether it was space, or opportunity to socialize, or climate, the devotion and attention of the Zoo staff made up for whatever was lacking.

Enjoy all your trips to the Zoo with your daughter. She is definitely lucky to be able to see animals from all over the world so close to home. And she is lucky to have a mother who takes her to the Zoo often!

She also has a blog now:
http://maryschwalm.wordpress.com/