I’m sorry to see that Hogle Zoo and other zoos are having to remove free roaming peacocks. Unfortunately, the peacock that attacked children needed to go, but I have to wonder what had happened to make him so hostile.
As a volunteer at Tracy Aviary, I have seen parents send their toddlers up to pet peacocks. Older children have been encouraged to chase them. I’ve had to explain to them that the peacock doesn’t want that any more than they would like to be chased by a large bird.
I once saw a mother encourage her children to chase wild geese. If you have any experience with geese, you know what a horrible idea that was.
I once had to explain to two young children why they shouldn’t throw rocks at birds and while I was at it, teach them some empathy for animals, while the mother stood by and made no real effort to interfere.
Please don’t put volunteers and employees in the position of having to explain why whatever they are doing is a bad idea.
Here are some basic ideas for your safety around animals.
Never chase animals you are unfamiliar with, such as geese, peacocks and dogs.
Never touch an animal unless the owner gives you permission.
Do not try to pull out peacock feathers. If you want one, wait until fall when they lose them naturally.
Do not allow toddlers to touch animals unsupervised.
Teach children empathy for animals and how to care for them and touch them.
Just have empathy for animals and take care not to put yourself or anyone else in a dangerous position.
JJ Esplin, Salt Lake City
from The Salt Lake Tribune https://ift.tt/HSCdyZv
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