Conflicted About Future Zoo Trips

SharkFinatic

SharkFinatic

Well-Known Member
5+ year member
Compared to a lot of you on this site, I’ve actually visited a relatively small number of zoos and aquariums across the country. While there are several institutions I’d love to go to in the future, many of them happen to be located in states with legislative policies towards certain social issues that I consider regressive and harmful. In short, my admiration of zoos is clashing with my reluctance to give my tourist dollars to states that clash with my politics. What do the rest of you think?
 
Last edited:
SharkFinatic said:
Compared to a lot of you on this site, I’ve actually visited a relatively small number of zoos and aquariums across the country. While there are several institutions I’d love to go to in the future, many of them happen to be located in states with legislative policies towards certain social issues that I consider regressive and harmful. In short, my admiration zoos is clashing with my reluctance to give my tourist dollars to states that clash with my politics. What do the rest of you think?
Click to expand...

Hi. I really get where you’re coming from. I’m a trans woman myself so when we’re talking about the Deep South I do have to pause and consider the risks. Thankfully I pass well enough and my documents match, but when I lived in South Carolina and that wasn’t the case there were a few moments where things could’ve gotten really bad. And given the sheer pace of the right wing lurch in the last few months I totally understand the desire to boycott, as it seems to be about the only thing that can be done between now and November (and maybe November 2024 tbh).

Boycotts also hurt local economies. It’s a tricky balance. I think it’s usually best to listen to locals and see what they’re calling for. Right now the southerners on my feed aren’t really calling for one (aside from maybe a nationwide general strike). The people in Hawaii I follow, however, are pretty much universally calling on tourists to stay away from the state right now.

It’s a little more complicated with the for-profit companies. LGBT Disney employees were calling on a boycott of the company for a while, and most didn’t find the company’s actions to be ultimately satisfying.

Home Depot, which is tied to the Georgia Aquarium, gives hundreds of thousands of dollars to republicans every election.

Blackstone Group, the owners of SeaWorld, have given over $20,000,000 to Republicans for this year’s midterms. So there’s that.

I’m not saying not to boycott at all, just maybe think through who you’re actually supporting and harming when you do.
 
tschandler71 said:
Or maybe not let politics consume your life?
Click to expand...

Without intending to open the broader issue for discussion, the problem the OP is presumably concerned with is a literal matter of life and death. It’s entirely legitimate for people to consider what they want to support.

For what it’s worth, I would generally still go. Most zoos, whether in a ‘red’ or ‘blue’ state, are operated by non-profit foundations or cities, which tend to be more progressive than their surrounding states. If this is an issue or particular concern, the one exception might be North Carolina Zoo, which unlike most is operated by an anti-choice state government. Even then, it’s up to you whether you hold the zoo accountable for the actions of politicians - especially ones who only have their power thanks to partisan gerrymandering.
 
SharkFinatic said:
Compared to a lot of you on this site, I’ve actually visited a relatively small number of zoos and aquariums across the country. While there are several institutions I’d love to go to in the future, many of them happen to be located in states with legislative policies towards certain social issues that I consider regressive and harmful. In short, my admiration of zoos is clashing with my reluctance to give my tourist dollars to states that clash with my politics. What do the rest of you think?
Click to expand...

At the end of the day, whether you as an individual visit a zoo or not won’t have any impact on the legislative policies that concern you. Yes I know, if we all had that attitude…but on the broader scale, it’s only you who will be affected (by missing out), which would be a shame.

As somebody who’s politically neutral, I acknowledge my opinion will vary from those who hold strong views; but it’s my opinion that it pays not to overthink these things.
 
Zoofan15 said:
At the end of the day, whether you as an individual visit a zoo or not won’t have any impact on the legislative policies that concern you. Yes I know, if we all had that attitude…but on the broader scale, it’s only you who will be affected (by missing out), which would be a shame.

As somebody who’s politically neutral, I acknowledge my opinion will vary from those who hold strong views; but it’s my opinion that it pays not to overthink these things.
Click to expand...

Exactly. Imagine trying to imply that impossible standard with everything. All you are doing is hurting yourself and causes you care about (zoos and conservation).
 
Zoofan15 said:
At the end of the day, whether you as an individual visit a zoo or not won’t have any impact on the legislative policies that concern you. Yes I know, if we all had that attitude…but on the broader scale, it’s only you who will be affected (by missing out), which would be a shame.

As somebody who’s politically neutral, I acknowledge my opinion will vary from those who hold strong views; but it’s my opinion that it pays not to overthink these things.
Click to expand...

That is a false argument. Why vote, support a zoo, try to be more green or support any cause you care about if you as one person cannot influence the grand scheme of things. If everybody thought like that, humanity would be doomed.

It is not about changing the world all alone, the question is whether you can conciously support what you are doing as a person. Following what you personally believe in might cost you something, but that doesn't mean there are plenty of alternatives still accessible to you. Living is not about more, more and more, but about finding what you really like and letting you enjoy things in good conscience. That means something different for everyone, from strict to not strict at all.

Finally you on your own don't make a difference in the grand scheme of things, but at least you can inspire others to also rethink what they are usually doing and change their behaviour.
 
I'd say follow your conscience/morals first. If you're set on boycotting/avoiding certain states (not specifically the zoos), I can respect that, and perhaps just pick visits to zoos in areas that align more with your views. I don't know where in the US there are, but there are plenty of phenomenal zoos in areas that better align with your (and mine) values, such as the Bronx Zoo, San Diego Zoo, Lincoln Park Zoo, Brookfield Zoo, Denver Zoo, Roger Williams Park Zoo, Buffalo Zoo, Woodland Park Zoo, Los Angeles Zoo, etc.
 
It is not as black/white as it seems. Pretty much every state in the USA has a strong mix of progressive and reactionary citizens. The policies we abhor are often not the majority opinion, just what the politicians in power (and their rabid supporters) have put in place to excite their rabid supporters.
Our tourism dollars have little effect (unlike the NBA or some huge convention deciding to pull out of a planned event in the state). Greg Abbott and Ron DeSantis do not care whether or not you visit.
Stay focused on where we can actually support change: the ballot box. Do what you can to support candidates in each state that support you: phone banks, post card campaigns, donations, whatever.
During your travels consider not giving your business to companies (hotel chains, restaurants, etc) that have publicly supported causes you oppose. But do not try to punish an entire state by staying away. It is a waste of your political passion
 
First be patient and indulge me. Second I respect your indecision (particularly as it reflects a matter of conscience).

Consider this (especially when reflecting on Texas or Alabama or wherever citizens can freely vote, protest, and debate): anyone who buys products made in China or plastics made from petroleum sourced in Iran or Saudi Arabia…might do well to pause and reflect…when considering personal boycotts based on local politics…no?

That said it is a personal choice and a matter conscience…and I’d commend someone for that integrity if I agreed with their reasoning or not. It’s not what we say (acknowledging action as a form of speech), but that we are free to say it. I respect that and admire your voice.

I consider your conflict empathetically. For example, I’m fiercely anti-Communist (blame my generation) and historically anti-Fascist (very confusing that word today…when it’s hurled at others by folks invoking both fascist tactics and rhetoric). China meets both criteria in a unrelenting melding of far-left totalitarian government and far-right mercantile ethics. I personally would never visit China under its current government. Won’t even consider it.

Now there will be people who think that is an irrelevant stand, or a uninformed position, or a ridiculous affirmation of nonsensical indulgent political hokum. And a few might see it as a principled decision to not grace the CCP with my meager zoo visiting dollars or provide them the benefit of my boundless charm. Truth be told…any of those five reactions…to a degree would be correct.

And maybe on my part futile. But for me it is a matter of conscience. Still…products from China are inescapable, and I would not want to see governments or business boycott China. I still hope that in the long run, exposure to the people and ideas of the world’s democracies will liberalize the government of China and engage the citizens of that country.

And I enjoy meeting people from China and welcome them whenever I encounter them in my country…a few years ago I shared a bus with a group of Chinese tourists at Denali National Park. It was a good time. And I was grateful for the interaction.

Now for the point of all this (leaving aside the taint of hypocrisy if any of your dollars ever reach the Commie-Fascists of the CCP): Remember when you visit these places you will not be interacting with single legislator of that politic. You will interact with the people, some of whose votes might be reflected by that legislative politic (of course), but people are people…and those people might be positively influenced by interacting with you.

Respect is often met with respect. Take the first step (and I am not insisting that you have too…It is matter of your conscience) and you might just change the world.

The old saying (at least in my background) is that if you dance with the devil, its not that the devil who changes. True enough. Right?

Ok…what if in that example you’re the devil (not literally)? You and your shared interest with every other person enjoying the zoo or the restaurant or the film…might be the common ground. And you might be that agent to change folks’ hearts and perceptions on a personal level. You tricky devil!

It might require commendable courage on your part…and certainly will test your patience. But…I am guessing…most people, however they vote, will benefit from their getting to know you.

Go out into those dark and wild places and bring your truth. I bet you’ll find a lot more in common with the people who live there than not.

Unless of course your mind on the value of that contact is already made up. Which in a world full of choices…is yours alone.
 
Last edited:
I guess I should confess that I am still planning on going to Atlanta this August to visit the Georgia Aquarium and Zoo Atlanta, but only because it’s a trip that my father and I have already put so much planning into that it’s not really worth it to pull the plug now. After this trip, I’ll take more consideration into which places I’ll want to travel to in the future.
 
I can speak for at least speak for AZA zoos. They are science based institutions, which is apparently considered politically liberal these days. They are progressive institutions that are now highly encouraged to include all aspects of diversity in the community and are incredibly welcoming despite what their corporate bosses do. A massive portion of zookeepers are part of the lgbtq community and support basic human rights.
 
CGSwans said:
Actually, that’s a great opportunity. There’s a civil rights museum next to Georgia Aquarium. I reckon the best thing you can do is ask to speak to a researcher or docent there, explain your qualms and ask them for advice.
Click to expand...
I was actually planning on going to that museum too since it’s included in the CityPass package for Atlanta, and since you suggested that, I think that’s a good idea.
 
SharkFinatic said:
I guess I should confess that I am still planning on going to Atlanta this August to visit the Georgia Aquarium and Zoo Atlanta, but only because it’s a trip that my father and I have already put so much planning into that it’s not really worth it to pull the plug now. After this trip, I’ll take more consideration into which places I’ll want to travel to in the future.
Click to expand...
There are few better examples in the USA of states that are politically divided. A strong case could be made, politically, for supporting the progressive communities and POC of GA. Even the GOP there has rebuffed the anti-democratic pressure of the former US President
 
Even the Georgia aquarium despite its ownership has hosted pride events.

Consider as well that the employees of zoos are predominately on your end of things politically.

Boycotting states broadly is ineffective and off mark and usually hurts many of the people that lose in these battles. Being more targeted and avoiding visiting the states capitol buildings for instance is far more direct.

I say this as a gender non-binary anarchist. For the record.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
This has been a really interesting discussion. I consider myself an independent, but I admit find myself leaning to the conservative side more often than not. I recognize I'm in the minority here when compared to other members of this site, so I’m not trying to start a serious debate as everyone’s opinion is valid, just thought it would be good to mention for the sake of discussion.

I couldn’t agree more with @tschandler71. Politics are stressful and frustrating and allowing politics have such a hold over you will only make your life more stressful and frustrating. I’ve been in both highly liberal and highly conservative states both supporting views I don’t fully agree with, but restricting myself based off of decisions made by politicians would only hurt me and wouldn’t have an effect those in power at all. I’ve chosen to spend my time enjoying what makes me happy, zoos for example, so I couldn’t care less about what the views of other states are. Zoos in Texas, Florida or any other predominantly red state have nothing to do with the decisions made by their politicians, so why punish yourself?

Obviously it’s your life and I’m not trying to tell you how to live. I’ll also recognize you may have had different experiences than me which perhaps makes certain views more significant to you, so again this is just my two cents. I just want to add that I agree with @Zooplantman that things aren’t as black-and-white as they may seem. I know plenty of Republicans and plenty of Democrats who are all wonderful people. I think both parties are expected to have a set series of views when in reality it’s all much more fluid. Like I said, I do lean conservative, but I definitely support the LGBT community (as do many other conservatives I know personally) and disagree with a few other stereotypically republican views as well. The diversity of thought across any one red or blue state is much more rich than you may think and IMO it would be shame to miss out on some amazing zoos just because of the views of those not involved whatsoever.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top