OhmyNews International, October 1, 2008

Around the world, there are about 10,000 zoos. If all kinds of zoos such as roadside zoos were counted, the number might be three times higher. This would mean that countless number of animals are in cages for our education, entertainment, whatever purpose there exists.

I visited one of the animals last month. She is said the oldest elephant in Japan and was celebrated for her 60th birthday, since 60 years has a special meaning for the Japanese.

At first glance, I was so shocked to see her in an amazingly small enclosure. She kept pushing her head on the wall of the concrete enclosure, while visitors were watching her. The zoo said she was taken to the zoo about 50 years ago and has spent her entire life there alone since then.

It is well known that elephants are highly social, living in relatively stable matriarchal family groups in the wild. Young elephants will remain with their mothers and extended family group well into their teenage years.

I remembered that a director of Zoocheck Canada, Rob Laidlaw published his latest book when I came home. I ordered it - "Wild Animals in Captivity" on Amazon and few days later I found this is the best book for everyone who is concerned about animals in captivity. Because it is written for young children, [the] English is very easy to understand and we can also enjoy many great photos although some of them are depressing.

On the page of "Goodnight, Yupi" we see a tiny white head of a polar bear behind rusty bars and can even feel her breath with the author, who felt angry at all zoos that put animals into small, barren cages.

This book is, however, not a simple anti-zoo book. He also introduces some best zoos as future models. I hope the next generation will read this great book and think what kind of world they would like to produce.

Review by Kaori Bell.