Zoo should consider dropping carousel

Re. “Carving out a new future for a merry old favourite at Valley Zoo,” March 18

My doctoral research on the history of animals and zoological gardens shows that for more than 150 years, zoological gardens have been trying to assert their value as educational institutions. At the same time, many tried to attract visitors by offering entertainments that had little or nothing to do with helping the public gain a deeper understanding of the natural world or the animals exhibited. Although the effort to reimagine the Valley Zoo’s carousel is commendable, the zoo should consider dropping the project altogether.

These attractions may increase attendance, but they simultaneously undercut the zoo’s educational claims and reinforce the notion animals are nothing more than pleasant objects in a fun atmosphere. They undermine their own legitimacy as educational institutions.

If the Valley Zoo wants to be taken seriously and have a serious impact on human attitudes to wildlife and the environment, it should stop styling itself as a playground facility and continue more positive work in creating engaging exhibits that instruct visitors and respect the dignity and needs of animals. Angeles Espinaco-Virseda, Edmonton