Zoos in Europe vs USA

[junglejim]

We all know there is a certain hierarchy of sympathy (up to outright "Speciesism", to paraphrase this overused slogan of animal rights activists) within the different species displayed at zoos. Also among zoo people, who are mostly interested in large mammals (and to a lesser degree, birds). Even on this forum of zoo nerds, you'll find way, way more threads or photos involving elephants, tigers and giant pandas than coral cobras, sturgeons or sea pens.

That's just the way most humans are. However, this does not mean that the husbandry demands of the latter should be ignored or that they should be considered less worthy - on the contrary! You can do your part by learning more about them and distributing this knowledge to others to improve their situation.
As a keeper and exhibitor of such "neglected creatures", this gives me the great opportunity to teach people more about hitherto unknown creatures. Inspiring people for gorillas is easy. Inspiring people for coral cobras? Challenge accepted!

BLACK CAIMANS! St. Augustine has one left. Heard Zoo Miami has some? Then there were several young one's in reptile rescue center in Arizona. A species I've seen back in the day at Columbus Zoo (very large speciemen ) , and also once at Cincinnati Zoo reptile house. It's a species claimed not worthy to breed in captivity now, and no value as exhibit animal. Yet Buffalo Zoo houses lone Komodo Dragon as high value exhibit animal, yet lone black caiman has no value. Funny thing is those observations of caimans back in my day goe's to show ya those strange rare unusual reptiles had value, and STILL to this day helps me educate others of their importance. Heck I was at the Lair at Los Angeles Zoo photograghing the false gavial and I was inspiring a young boy and his mom of the importance as a species to encourage boys interest and to continue to study and learn about crocodiles. Go's to show you one can't rely on the so-called experts.

 

[evilmonkey239]

Milwaukee had a few a few years ago, but they are gone now.

I know I’m replying to a five-year-old message, but Milwaukee had red deer? This is the first I’ve ever heard of this.

 

[turkeyfox]

I know I’m replying to a five-year-old message, but Milwaukee had red deer? This is the first I’ve ever heard of this.

Maybe in the early to mid 1900's they did. In living memory they've only had elk which I'm assuming are being confused for red deer.

 

[birdsandbats]

Maybe in the early to mid 1900's they did. In living memory they've only had elk which I'm assuming are being confused for red deer.

I remember seeing them in the late 2000s, I think it just a brief holding.

 

[turkeyfox]

I remember seeing them in the late 2000s, I think it just a brief holding.

Really? Where, in the elk yard? Or maybe in with the Bactrian camels if they were (or were representing) Bactrian deer.

 

[birdsandbats]

Really? Where, in the elk yard? Or maybe in with the Bactrian camels if they were (or were representing) Bactrian deer.

I don't remember exactly where they were, I think in or near where the elk or Caribou are now.