Change the (Philadelphia) Zoo - Launch of Revised Campaign- NEW DATE
Schedule
Sun Jul 11 2021 at 01:00 pm to 03:00 pm
Location
Philadelphia Zoo | Philadelphia, PA
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So sorry for all the changes but we are definite with this date (Sunday, July 11). See you then!!We are launching a campaign to turn Philadelphia Zoo into a world-class center that other zoos may emulate. Our vision includes transitioning the Zoo from an assortment of captive-bred exotic live animals on display to a humane alternative featuring animatronic animals (similar to the "BIG TIME" animatronic dinosaur exhibit current on display at the Philadelphia Zoo) and a limited number of animals rescued from desperate situations. This means that rather than breeding animals for display in captivity, the Zoo would rescue animals in need and would be able to provide them with a more natural habitat, as the Zoo would be housing far fewer animals overall.
There is already movement worldwide in this direction. For example, a hyper-realistic animatronic dolphin is now available for a “swimming with the dolphins” experience that doesn’t harm a single cetacean, and the 140-year old, 44-acre Buenos Aires Zoo, similarly sized to the 42 acre Philadelphia Zoo, has transitioned to a ecopark. The 2,500 animals previously confined there were moved to nature reserves. And with documentaries like Blackfish and the recently-released The Conservation Game, the public is becoming increasingly aware of the problems with confining intelligent, sensitive animals outside of their natural habitats and the consequences of breeding more for display.
We reached out to Philadelphia Zoo CEO Vik Dewan, who simply acknowledged receipt of our email. Now it's time to bring it to the people and patrons of the zoo! The future is now.
Time: 1:00 to 3:00 pm
Weather dependent: Yes - if it's pouring rain or extremely hot, we'll reschedule. Not many people come to the zoo in the rain or extreme heat. Organizer contact info: Marianne, 610-733-1248
WHAT TO EXPECT FOR . . .
- -- Where we stand?
We set up outside of the gates in front of the zoo entrance at the southwest corner of 34th and Girard.
--- What we do?
We hand out educational
leaflets about zoos. We also have literature about about the campaign to rescue elephants Kallie and Bette from the breeding/holding facility (Bette) and Cleveland Zoo (Kallie) to a true sanctuary. And, as always, we have vegan literature available for interested people. All signs and literature will be provided.
--- Parking?
There is free parking on Girard Avenue west of the zoo and side streets (near the Sunoco 38th and Girard, use 3750 W Girard Avenue for GPS). Please be sure to hide all of your valuables as we have had some cars broken into in the past.
--- Police Interaction?
Little to none. We have been demonstrating at the zoo for over ten years and it is now well-established that we have the right to stand anywhere outside of the gates.
--- Bathrooms?
You can use the bathrooms inside the zoo without paying admission to get in. If you don't want to go in the zoo, there is a Sunoco gas station a few blocks away where if you ask the clerk nicely, you will usually be able to use the bathroom (assuming it is in working order, sometimes it's not).
--- Receptivity of the patrons?
Much depends on the dynamics of the crowd. Most of the time, the patrons are fairly receptive and will engage with us on questions about zoos and animals. A very small percentage may say something negative, but it overall it is a positive crowd. Most of the people going to the zoo think of themselves as animal lovers.
--- Accessibility?
There is a cutaway on 34th street where cars can pull in to drop off folks. The area where we set up is flat and easy to access. We will also have at least one chair available for people to sit as needed, and you are welcome to bring your own.
--- Other info: Please do not bring single use plastic bottles. We will supply water for volunteers. Thank you!
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Where is it happening?
Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays: