Here at the Oakland Zoo we have strong beliefs and views on
animal welfare. We do everything we can to provide our animals
with what they need, including space with the appropriate
substrates, social dynamics, as well as enrichment and training
for both physical and mental stimuli. Everything we do takes
into consideration the health and well-being of the animal as
well as the safety of the keeper. Wild animals can be dangerous
and in no way should be treated like a pet. We work with them in
a protected contact type of management to ensure our safety and
theirs. You might be thinking why does the animal need to be
safe? Aren’t you the one in danger? The answer is yes. I am in
danger should I walk into an enclosure and right up to an
animal, but for me to be able to do that involves punishment on
the animals part. If you have been to a circus before you have
seen all the different animals they work with up-close and
personal. This is not because the animals enjoy being in the
circus and close to their handlers