I think the closure of almost every zoo is a big loss. If - as enthusiasts - we can't see that, then how can we expect members of the public to appreciate it or sympathise with us?
Whilst I was visiting the RSCC in August a small group walked in to buy tickets; they heard there wasn't much on show and decided to leave without entering the zoo despite the discounted tickets. I really struggled to get my head round this at the time, but I can see your point - I reckon I'd struggle a lot less if I were standing outside this establishment.
Every closing zoo is somebody's business, a community's best place to experience exotic wildlife, and a series of animals' homes. Many are much more than this.
Even though to us it might seem as though there aren't many animals in small collections like this that we might not find in our local pet shops, these little zoos bring so many people close to exotic animals who otherwise wouldn't have that exposure.
Most of us still visit zoos which don't hold any personal 'lifeticks' or very interesting species mostly because there's much more to a zoo visit than just the individual animals.
I guess for some of us it's also another zoo that can never again be ticked off a 'zoo visit list'.
In looking up a couple of bits about the place, it seems to be the only zoological facility on the island, and feedback is surprisingly positive with a score of 4.5/5 on tripadvisor and 5 stars on facebook ("...the truth is that it's a fascinating small operation run by knowledgeable and enthusiastic experts. It is fun, and it is educational." [The Skye Guide - Skye Serpentarium, Broadford])
I think it is quite a significant loss.
I hadn't heard about this collection until now, but I'll certainly be mourning another lost zoo.
Edit: I can see that a smaller rescue program will continue to run on site, which is pleasing.
I think the closure of almost every zoo is a big loss. If - as enthusiasts - we can't see that, then how can we expect members of the public to appreciate it or sympathise with us?
Yeah, my opinion may have been tainted by the fact I've been a few times and didn't particularly like the place - truth be told, the only reason I've been more than once *is* the fact it was the only zoological attraction in the area, and my family used to visit the Isle of Skye quite often.
That said, it has been about a decade since my last visit, so it could well have improved significantly since then, and I *am* very pleased to hear the rescue side of the organisation will continue.
