Smoking in Zoos

S

soozthecat

Member
Just having read the thread on kissing in zoos, Id be interested to hear a discussion on people smoking in zoos.

I'm an avid smoker and thoroughly enjoy smoking outside in the sunshine at the park etc, however I do think twice about smoking in a zoo.

Durrell have a total non smoking policy and when I volunteered there I found that only one member of staff smoked anyway. Visitors were asked not to smoke in the zoo and I only saw one person smoking there in the 2 months I volunteered there. However I did not see a large amount of smokers in Jersey so maybe that's why?

Ive noticed that Colchester have smoking areas which are away from the animals and my local zoo, Linton, has a few no smoking signs but Ive seen a lot of people right by the barriers smoking.

Its an arguably difficult balance I think as I wouldn't want to smoke near animals, but not being able to smoke at all on a day out would seriously affect my day.

What does everyone else think? It'd be interesting to hear points of view from visitors and staff alike.
 
I believe this was discussed once before, but another go around would be fun.

IMO, having designated smoking areas at the beginning or end of major exhibits is a good compromise.

Smoking in animal areas is a major pain as people tend to flick butts into exhibits, so that's a major no go.
 
Printed on the back of a visitors T-Shirt walking around Birmingham Nature Centre (UK) read -

If someone is seen smoking close to my children I will assume they are on fire and will be dealt with accordingly

I thought this was great

I am an ex smoker and I do not mind people smoking but my pet hate is smoking around children and in eating areas but zoos should have designated smoking areas and anyone found smoking outside these areas should be told to leave or be made to pay a smoking levy of £5.00 (less then a packetof 20) to stay in the zoo grounds this would then go to the zoo for the upkeep of the animals
 
FSBlue said:
Smoking in animal areas is a major pain as people tend to flick butts into exhibits, so that's a major no go.
Click to expand...

I'm a non-smoker, and while I'm usually tolerant of smokers that behave themselves regarding where they smoke (in designated areas, away from animals, food outlets and other people), the thing that has always bugged me is the smokers apparent belief they it is OK to drop their butts anywhere - on footpaths, stonewalls, gardens, gutters etc.

I've known some smokers who hate this as much as me and do the right thing with their butts, but they appear to be a VERY small minority.

Hix
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top