Smoking in zoos, yes or no?
- Thread starter Javan Rhino
- Start date
safariman
Well-Known Member
I agree that smoking is not a good habit. But if I smoke in a resticted area, I don't harm anyone..so let me smoke. If someone smokes something stronger than tobacco, so be it. It's theire body, I don't care. Anyone has the right of doing what they want, as long as it does't harm anyone else. That is my humble opinion anyway... look on the bright side of life, there is much more to worry about seriously. Major Bloomberg has a lot more important problems to solve than breaking his head on smoking in Central Park... I'm convinced.
Absolutely spot on. The world would be a better place if everyone realised and accepted this.
GillP
Well-Known Member
I absolutely hate smoking but being realistic I think an outright ban would be pretty unworkable in zoos. There are always people who ignore directives, whatever they are, and how would a ban be enforced, short of employing security guards - a large number of which would be needed for most zoos - to throw the offenders out. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see that (and while they were at it, the guards could also deal with the selfish idiots who bang on glass etc and deliberately try to provoke or frighten animals) but what zoo would be prepared to bear the extra expense ?
I think designated areas is the only way to go .... whilst some would still think the rules don't apply to them, I feel that more smokers would obey that kind of restriction - and they'd then at least all be out of the way - rather than a total ban, which would be more likely to rile smokers and provoke a 'I'll show 'em' stance.
I do however get very annoyed at some smokers' 'God given right' attitude at zoos, given that by their nature, zoos inevitably have large numbers of child visitors. It surely doesn't take much effort or consideration to step away from a crowd, and come back to the viewing area once you've had your cigarette ..... yet I've seen smokers at Colchester puffing away right next to kids and babies, like it's okay because they're outside. It's NOT !!!
Oh ...... and Devi, I have definitely smelt 'something stronger' being smoked at both Colchester and Twycross a handful of times. Whatever your opinion on that, it's not something I want to experience on a day out. For heavens' sake, are people that desperate they can't wait till they get home ?!
I think designated areas is the only way to go .... whilst some would still think the rules don't apply to them, I feel that more smokers would obey that kind of restriction - and they'd then at least all be out of the way - rather than a total ban, which would be more likely to rile smokers and provoke a 'I'll show 'em' stance.
I do however get very annoyed at some smokers' 'God given right' attitude at zoos, given that by their nature, zoos inevitably have large numbers of child visitors. It surely doesn't take much effort or consideration to step away from a crowd, and come back to the viewing area once you've had your cigarette ..... yet I've seen smokers at Colchester puffing away right next to kids and babies, like it's okay because they're outside. It's NOT !!!
Oh ...... and Devi, I have definitely smelt 'something stronger' being smoked at both Colchester and Twycross a handful of times. Whatever your opinion on that, it's not something I want to experience on a day out. For heavens' sake, are people that desperate they can't wait till they get home ?!
sealion
Well-Known Member
This isn't to-do with smoking, but while I was at Port Lympne, I was not impressed by the amount of safari "bus" fumes that were being released right into the faces of some of the nearby animals. Obviously this would be difficult to change, but it was like a cloud and the buses were going past every 5 minutes!
adrian1963
Well-Known Member
Niether is driving a car, lorry or any other type of veichle that uses fossil fuels.
Zooplantman
Well-Known Member
Just don't come to the Public coffers when you are dying from the activities you chose (whatever they may be) and need financial help. Take full responsibility for the consequences, harm no one, and enjoy.
Very true, it would be very interesting to be able to see how this past 100 years of so called development will be judged in another 50 years.
I am 100% against smoking in zoos, but I do live in a country (Canada) where only about 10% of the population smokes. If you only include Canadian citizens who are of the age 15 and upwards then about 22% of the country smokes, but realistically anyone who smokes these days is rather foolish. There is so much literature educating people about the dangers of smoking (both to themselves and those around them) that I question the sanity of any addict plugging a cigarette into their mouth.
What is interesting is that this past summer I went on a lengthy road trip throughout the United States and during that time I visited 39 different zoos and aquariums. Of those establishments 26 of them have banned smoking outright, while 13 allow smoking but only in a handful of designated areas. There will come a time when all 39 zoos and aquariums will ban smoking outright, and I'm guessing that within about 10 years there will be smoking allowed in only a handful of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums.
What is interesting is that this past summer I went on a lengthy road trip throughout the United States and during that time I visited 39 different zoos and aquariums. Of those establishments 26 of them have banned smoking outright, while 13 allow smoking but only in a handful of designated areas. There will come a time when all 39 zoos and aquariums will ban smoking outright, and I'm guessing that within about 10 years there will be smoking allowed in only a handful of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums.
adrian1963
Well-Known Member
I have had a good chat with a friend who used to work at a animal collection and pointed out that they had a no smoking at work policy for there staff and yet it let the general public smoke in the same area.
This to me is a case of double standards but the excuse the place made when I asked about the smoking rule was it was for the benefit of the staff. HOW?
This to me is a case of double standards but the excuse the place made when I asked about the smoking rule was it was for the benefit of the staff. HOW?
Edie
Member
In the UK the law bans smoking in indoor areas, but zoos would be permitted to make their own policies about smoking on-site and could ban it outright if they chose. However, many smokers would probably try to smoke if they thought they could get away with it. Providing designated outdoor areas/shelters with suitable bins might be the best workable compromise for everyone.
Many pubs and cafes permit smoking outdoors, and you do risk getting a waft of smoke if you choose to sit and eat/drink there, but this is accepted by most people. Zoos are a little different because so many of the visitors are children and you have to consider the animals' welfare as well. But suitable areas could probably be found in most zoos.
As for staff, it does look unprofessional if people in uniform are smoking whilst walking around a zoo. Since the ban you now see staff smoking outside the front door of offices and supermarkets and it just looks bad. Providing an off-show outdoor place for staff to smoke might be a sensible option. Perhaps staff canteens have outdoor seating areas where staff might be permitted to smoke. They should be entitled to smoke on their breaks in a non-public area in my opinion. They work hard and are entitled to a break.
Many pubs and cafes permit smoking outdoors, and you do risk getting a waft of smoke if you choose to sit and eat/drink there, but this is accepted by most people. Zoos are a little different because so many of the visitors are children and you have to consider the animals' welfare as well. But suitable areas could probably be found in most zoos.
As for staff, it does look unprofessional if people in uniform are smoking whilst walking around a zoo. Since the ban you now see staff smoking outside the front door of offices and supermarkets and it just looks bad. Providing an off-show outdoor place for staff to smoke might be a sensible option. Perhaps staff canteens have outdoor seating areas where staff might be permitted to smoke. They should be entitled to smoke on their breaks in a non-public area in my opinion. They work hard and are entitled to a break.
Indoor smoking is already forbidden in many countries, and definitely should be forbidden in zoos, especially in buildings with animals.
However, banning outdoor smoking might not be a good idea for the profit. In Denmark for example, there are quite many smokers (well, over half of the population don't smoke, but there ARE relatively many smokers with all the scare-campaigns and prohibitions versing around in modern countries), and unless it's a zoo where you only spend an hour or two, they might lose many visitors on it. However, I believe it's a good idea to put up smoking-designated places (but not too few), and if smoking is allowed all around the park, ashtrays should certainly be put up, and sanctions should be taken if people just drop their cigarette butts on the ground.
However, banning outdoor smoking might not be a good idea for the profit. In Denmark for example, there are quite many smokers (well, over half of the population don't smoke, but there ARE relatively many smokers with all the scare-campaigns and prohibitions versing around in modern countries), and unless it's a zoo where you only spend an hour or two, they might lose many visitors on it. However, I believe it's a good idea to put up smoking-designated places (but not too few), and if smoking is allowed all around the park, ashtrays should certainly be put up, and sanctions should be taken if people just drop their cigarette butts on the ground.
I accidently voted no..but I think smoking should not be allowed in zoo's. As a zoo manager I also have some staff who smoke, so although I am sensitive to those who smoke. I do not think smoking should be allowed around the animals,staff or guests of zoo's.
We do allow smoking ONLY in the parking lot of the zoo, and this is strictly enforced.
Most good zoo's strive for cleanliness, and quality health care for their animals. Smoke inhailation does not fit into that plan. It's not being judgemental. The toxin's in smoke are not fit for human consumption, or animal.
As a side note, we do not allow food consumption inside the gates where the animals are located. We have a park/food area that is divided from the animals. This way we do not have a problem with trash, wrappers,etc.
We do allow smoking ONLY in the parking lot of the zoo, and this is strictly enforced.
Most good zoo's strive for cleanliness, and quality health care for their animals. Smoke inhailation does not fit into that plan. It's not being judgemental. The toxin's in smoke are not fit for human consumption, or animal.
As a side note, we do not allow food consumption inside the gates where the animals are located. We have a park/food area that is divided from the animals. This way we do not have a problem with trash, wrappers,etc.
Jordan-Jaguar97
Well-Known Member
I would say if people are going to smoke in a zoo then they must go to the main entrance get a stamp on their hand to exit the zoo to smoke then return with the stamp on their hand everyone's happy
Well, taking into account the disadvantages of allowing smoking:
1) Smoking can cause fires.
2) Smoking can cause scorch marks
3) Smoking introduces a toxic substance into the zoo (tobacco)
4) Smoking stinks and may reduce the enjoyment of non-smokers.
5) Smoking causes garbage, buts and those not only damage the cost/clean balance, but can also form a danger to animals.
1) Smoking can cause fires.
2) Smoking can cause scorch marks
3) Smoking introduces a toxic substance into the zoo (tobacco)
4) Smoking stinks and may reduce the enjoyment of non-smokers.
5) Smoking causes garbage, buts and those not only damage the cost/clean balance, but can also form a danger to animals.
I am against smoking in zoos for multiple reasons:
-Welfare of the animals, cigarette smoke has proven negative health effects and while every person has the right to make their own decisions for themselves, second hand smoke is making that decision for others. Even if you claim (with no evidence I might add) that second hand smoke hasn't killed a Zoo Animal, the fact that the potential for harm even exists means that it shouldn't be allowed. A good Zoo puts animal welfare above all else, not the comfort and percieved rights of the minority of patrons who smoke.
-The smell is decidedly unpleasant to many people, and other guests in the area may have health problems that secondhand smoke could set off.
-It is easier to have a designated smoking area outside of the park and allowing patrons to exit and re-enter as needed.
-The litter. While not every smoker is so inconsiderate, many smokers just throw their butts on the ground. Cigarette butts make parks look dirty and take away from the nautral atmosphere that is trying to be created.
Keep in mind I have worked and volunteered in public zoos and aquariums but I also used to smoke and still enjoy an occaisional cigar. I have witnessed such things as a smoker ashing his cigarette into the Sea Lion enclosure at one Aquarium, I have seen smokers throwing butts into animal exhibits and into landscaping without even attempting to find a trash can, and I have seen guests lighting up in the midst of large groups of kids blowing smoke over the tops of young heads wiothout regard. Call me biased if you want, but because of the incosiderate smokers (which you may or may not be), appropriate measures must take place.
-Welfare of the animals, cigarette smoke has proven negative health effects and while every person has the right to make their own decisions for themselves, second hand smoke is making that decision for others. Even if you claim (with no evidence I might add) that second hand smoke hasn't killed a Zoo Animal, the fact that the potential for harm even exists means that it shouldn't be allowed. A good Zoo puts animal welfare above all else, not the comfort and percieved rights of the minority of patrons who smoke.
-The smell is decidedly unpleasant to many people, and other guests in the area may have health problems that secondhand smoke could set off.
-It is easier to have a designated smoking area outside of the park and allowing patrons to exit and re-enter as needed.
-The litter. While not every smoker is so inconsiderate, many smokers just throw their butts on the ground. Cigarette butts make parks look dirty and take away from the nautral atmosphere that is trying to be created.
Keep in mind I have worked and volunteered in public zoos and aquariums but I also used to smoke and still enjoy an occaisional cigar. I have witnessed such things as a smoker ashing his cigarette into the Sea Lion enclosure at one Aquarium, I have seen smokers throwing butts into animal exhibits and into landscaping without even attempting to find a trash can, and I have seen guests lighting up in the midst of large groups of kids blowing smoke over the tops of young heads wiothout regard. Call me biased if you want, but because of the incosiderate smokers (which you may or may not be), appropriate measures must take place.
Smoking shouldn't be banned as AZA and other insituitons shouldn't try to restrict customers. How bad is it if a zoo setup a designated smoking bench at the beginning and exit of most major exhibits? Whatever personal feelings you have about smoking, if they want to have a good time at the zoo, if they're respectful to the animals, what is it to you?
-The CDC in 2008 showed that 21%, or roughly 1 in 5 Americans over age 18 smoke. Considering that the target market for Zoos and Aquariums are families with small children, I am sure that keeping smokers happy is a very low priority if it even exists.
-In the same vein, if families with kids are the target market, then it is more in the Zoo's interest to provide an experience that is more family friendly, which smoking does not fit into at all. Also, by preventing people from smoking inside the Zoo, the Zoo spends less time cleaning up cigarette butts and emptying ashtrays, which over the course of a full year adds up to fewer hours required (these little things do matter).
-In the case of a Zoo/Aquarium it isn't just about respecting the animals, it is about respecting fellow patrons as well. As the saying goes, the right to swing your fist ends and the other person's face", smokers who smoke in and around others are not giving those others the right to decide if they want to inhale secondhand smoke, which has confirmed negative health effects.
-I do not like the smell of cigarette smoke when I am eating and many people feel the same way, Zoo concessions tend to be an important source of revenue.
-What are the consequences of if a guest has an asthma attack inside a zoo? It sounds stupid but secondhand smoke is a trigger for asthma attacks, which can be a real medical emergency that a Zoo would want to prevent. This one might sound incredibly wishy washy and lame to you, but if you are a Zoo Manager or whoever is dealing with the insurance premiums for the institution, it is a real concern. Especially for a municipally owned zoo.
-How does smoking enhance the Zoo experience? It does not, aside from providing a nicotine fix which somehow humans managed to live without for many years until tobacco became popular.
Whatever personal opinions, zoos should try to accommodate as many paying customers as possible. I don't smoke either, but I don't get my panties in a wad in someone lights up. Like I said, a designated smoking area around most major exhibits isn't too much to ask.
Anyone who has asthma or other health related issues would have to run headlong into one of those areas to get any ill effects. Smoking is a bigger issue in the South, so that is my frame of reference. However, I know quite a few people who don't go to Jacksonville now since they can't have a cigarette.
As I've said, how hard is it to have a few benches off to the side so people can have a cigarette?
Anyone who has asthma or other health related issues would have to run headlong into one of those areas to get any ill effects. Smoking is a bigger issue in the South, so that is my frame of reference. However, I know quite a few people who don't go to Jacksonville now since they can't have a cigarette.
As I've said, how hard is it to have a few benches off to the side so people can have a cigarette?