Visiting a zoo is a great way to spend a day. You see animals and learn about their lives; you can have fun with your family or friends, and it’s incredible to see your favorite animals up close. However, there are many things we do that irritate the workers. If you want to go to the zoo without upsetting anyone, check out our list of things you shouldn’t do.
Standing On Railings
Everyone knows that you’re not supposed to stand on the railings. They tell you all the time that this is prohibited, but people do it anyway because they think they know better. Unfortunately, this is how kids end up getting hurt or killed. If you watch the news, there are far too many reports of children falling into the animal pit and then either having to be saved or not making it out. Protect your children and make sure they listen.
Chasing Birds
Many zoos have birds that are allowed to roam certain areas because they’re friendly. However, if you chase them and start beating them or throwing things at them, the bird is going to see you as an aggressor, and its animal instincts will kick in, and it’ll chase back, bite, or worse. It’s better to leave the birds alone for your safety and theirs.
Tapping The Glass
When you want to see an animal, tapping the glass isn’t going to get them to raise their head and think, ‘Oh, it’s time to get up and play.’ Instead, they get annoyed because they’re trying to relax or sleep, and you’re disturbing them. The workers get irritated when you do this because they’ve made it clear you’re not supposed to.
Know It All
Nothing bugs people more than a know-it-all who doesn’t know what they’re talking about. Don’t go to a zoo thinking you know more than the people who work there and know what they’re doing. The only thing that’s going to do is irritate them to the point where they want to avoid you.
Kids Running Around
Parents need to watch their kids. Danger is all around these days, and you never know when a stranger could try to take your child. However, some parents still let their kids run around and do as they please, and this is where they could get hurt by a stranger or an animal because their parents aren’t paying attention. Keep your kids close.
Blocking Paths
This isn’t just annoying; it’s hindering. If the zoo workers have to walk and they don’t have another means to get around the zoo, you’re not just blocking other people, you’re blocking the workers from doing their job. You don’t need to take up the entire pathway. If you need to stop, step to the side so that people can still get through.
Screaming
There are quiet zones in the zoo, and they’re for a reason. Some animals cannot tolerate excessive noise and need to sleep. When you take your children to these spaces and the kids start screaming, trying to get the animals’ attention, you’re disturbing the poor creatures and the other people visiting.
Throwing Food
When you’re at the zoo, another primary rule is not to throw food at the animals. We don’t know the dietary needs of the animals, and we shouldn’t be giving them things that are going to make them sick or kill them. This has happened when animals eat something they’re not supposed to.
Tossing Coins
It should be clear that an animal’s home is not a wishing well, and throwing coins or anything at them should be something you don’t do. However, coins are an issue, and now zoos have had to put up signs asking people not to throw coins at the animals or into their drinking water, as it can harm them.
Making Noises
Another thing that patrons like to do is mimic animals and make noise to get their attention. Workers can’t stand this. Animals are used to seeing people, and it won’t make them come to you. Honestly, it’s annoying, and when you’re doing it to mock and make fun of the animals, it’s rude and disrespectful.
Wrong Information
As adults, we’re never right 100% of the time, but it bothers the zoo workers when you give your child incorrect information about an animal instead of asking them when they know the facts better. The worst is when parents double down and insist they’re right and the worker is wrong. Unfortunately, it’s your child who suffers more, because they don’t know the correct information.
Keep Your Hands To Yourselves
Everyone should be aware of this, whether they are an adult or a child. Some zoos keep animals in open enclosures, and it is best not to try to touch them. Unfortunately, people often disregard this rule and end up losing a finger if the animal feels threatened. Enjoy looking at the animals, but keep your hands to yourself.
Don’t Ignore The Signs
A zoo has signs for a reason. If it says don’t step on the plant that takes forever to grow and is endangered, leave it alone. If it says don’t grab the animal, leave the animal alone. If a sign says no sitting on a fence, leave the wall alone. The signs are in place to protect you and the zoo, and they need to be followed, regardless of whether you think the sign is stupid or unnecessary.
No Cameras
This one happens far too much. Some animals live with almost no light their entire lives. When you enter these dark spaces and flash the animals, it’s not only jarring but also damaging. You need to respect what these animals need and how they live. Stop flashing the camera, as it hurts innocent animals who are just trying to exist in their natural habitat.
Trash
Zoos have trash cans and recycling bins everywhere, so there is no excuse for littering and making the zoo workers’ job harder than it already is. It honestly doesn’t take that much effort to pick up your trash, be a decent human being, and respect the space. Make sure to pick up your trash and dispose of it properly so that the zoo can remain beautiful.
Have Respect
When you visit the zoo, you should show respect for the animals, the staff, and other visitors. If you can’t, then you shouldn’t go. These animals have to live in enclosures, and they don’t need your family trying to jump in, throw things at them, or scream at the top of your lungs. Instead, enjoy seeing your favorite animals, be nice to the workers, and be considerate to everyone else.
