Birds @ Vandalur Zoo, Chennai
Vandalur Zoo is a large Zoo in Chennai housing many animals, reptiles and birds. Recently, they announced in the newspaper that they have built better and larger enclosures to accommodate a few birds. So I thought why not check it out.
First, photos of some birds within cages:
Now let us look at the new ‘Walk Through Aviary’ they have constructed for keeping birds in a larger enclosure.
Before you think, ‘What a beautiful enclosure…’, have a look at the above picture. That bird was trying to get out of this ‘paradise’ for quite some time, and it was repeatedly trying to get out while I was in that area. So clearly, for birds, this is only a larger enclosure. A larger cage. A larger jail.
We human beings are the biggest hypocrites, as we go and laugh at animals, birds, and reptiles inside cages and claim we go to zoo because we love animals. I feel all zoos should be converted into national parks where animals are free to roam in forests without any cages, and human beings should go visit them within caged vehicles. Like how they have done in Bannerghatta national park. The Walk Through Aviary is better than the other congested cages for birds they have there, but . . . hmm.
At last, I found one right step by the Vandalur Zoo authorities:
Just when I thought I lost all faith in the hypocritical human beings, I found this open bird park without any kind of enclosures or cages. There were bird feeders here and there, and there were nesting boxes as well. Glad to see this inside a zoo. Some hope at last . . .
Destination Infinity
Photos by Destination8infinity (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons.
Yes, the walk through aviary is better than the little cages for birds and I liked the ambiance inside the aviary. But we can’t decide the boundary for birds and I too don’t like birds and animals inside the cage when they have wing to fly and legs to run. Love the concept of open bird park and such things will sure encourage people to look for birds in nature instead seeking social status by displaying birds inside a cage at home.
Nice capture on the birds, and the great horn-bill (in yellow crest) is my fav
Imagine – such a huge bird (great horn-bill) is inside such a small cage for the rest of its life. What did it do to deserve this treatment?
Destination Infinity
Thanks for sharing these beautiful photos.
Sure, thanks.
Destination Infinity
Lovely pics…
Hmm… 🙂
Destination Infinity
True that animals and birds should be left in their own comfort zones. zoos as national park is perfect for both humans and the animals. I have pet birds and I prefer not to cage them. They enjoy their times the most but sadly couple of times, my birds became prey to cats. I convinced myself by saying, ‘…but then that is nature.’
Wow, I appreciate that you have pet birds and you don’t cage them.
Destination Infinity
I always feed so sad looking at birds in cages. Aviary is definitely better but not the best solution. I agree with you, national parks are much better than zoos.
feel*
Humans deserve to visit animals in cages. That’s the right thing to do as well.
Destination Infinity
I can’t digest looking at birds in cages. Loved Vedanthaangal bird sanctuary. Pictures look beautiful, though!
Yes, Vedanthangal is a good idea. We ought to go to where they come naturally. There is no need to cage any bird or animal so that the lazy humans could see them closer to home.
Destination Infinity