What Goes on Behind Bars: Zookeepers Share Wild Stories, and We Will Never Look at Zoos in the Same Way
Get ready to hear wild tales from the people who work with animals daily! Zookeepers have seen everything, from cute and cuddly creatures to downright dangerous interactions. They work hard to ensure the animals under their care are happy and healthy, but sometimes things can get a little crazy… We have compiled different stories from zookeepers worldwide who spill the beans on their craziest stories working with animals. Get ready to hear about close encounters with big cats, escaped primates causing chaos, and even mischievous peacocks…
#1: Peacock Problems
Can you imagine being a peacock and thinking it’s a good idea to stroll into the lion exhibit? Talk about a death wish! I guess sometimes animals aren’t exactly known for their intelligence. But hey, at least the lions are getting a tasty snack, right? I’m just kidding, of course!
As a zookeeper, I know that keeping all the animals safe is the top priority, even the silly ones like those peacocks. But seriously, how do they not know to steer clear of the lions? After all, they probably all grew up in the zoo, not in the wild, and don’t all have the strongest survival instincts.
#2: Calm Down, Chimp
I would never have guessed these things about chimps! I always thought they were cute little monkeys, but now I’m terrified. It’s crazy to think these seemingly harmless creatures could be so dangerous. I mean, ripping someone’s arm off? That sounds like something straight out of a scary horror movie.
It’s good that zookeepers are trained to handle these types of situations, but I can’t even imagine how scary it must be to come face-to-face with a chimp on the loose. I think I’ll stick to the herbivores – perhaps even a lion or a tiger. They seem to be much less bloodthirsty…
#3: Don’t Look Up
Okay, note to self: don’t look up around the parrots! I had no idea that these birds were such expert marksmen when it came to their poop. It’s honestly impressive but also kind of gross. I mean, who wants to get hit with bird poop? And in the mouth, no less!
I guess it’s all part of the job as a zookeeper, though – you never know what kind of surprises the animals will throw your way. But still, I think I’ll stick to admiring the parrots from a distance… A very safe distance, one where there’s no danger of any poop cannons.
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#4: Beware of Zebras
It’s hard to imagine these striped horses being anything but docile, but I guess everyone has their breaking point. And poor kangaroos, they just can’t catch a break! First, they have to hop around on two legs all day, and now they have to worry about getting torn apart by zebras. That’s just not fair…
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It makes me wonder what other animal rivalries are happening behind the scenes at the zoo. Maybe the hippos have it out for the giraffes, or the sloths secretly plot against the lemurs. Who knows what kind of secret animal drama is unfolding right under our noses without us realizing it?
#5: Not the Smell…
For such scary creatures, it’s weird to think that lions could have such a mischievous sense of humor. I mean, I guess when you’re the king of the jungle, you can afford to be a little bit cheeky. But I can only imagine how unpleasant it must be to get doused in lion pee.
That’s not a smell you want to take home with you! I guess it’s just another reminder that when you’re working with animals, you never know what kind of surprises they’ll have in store for you. But hey, at least it makes for a good story – as long as you’re not the one getting peed on!
#6: High School Flashbacks
This person sounds a little jealous! If working out keeps the trainers in shape and the dolphins happy, then who am I to judge? And let’s be real; those trainers are pretty impressive. Watching them perform with the dolphins is like watching a real-life aquatic ballet. It’s no wonder they’ve got a bit of an ego!
They work hard to keep those dolphins healthy and happy, which shows in their performances. Plus, who wouldn’t love having a fan club? Maybe I should invest in a wetsuit and start training with the dolphins myself… But it might be more trouble than it’s worth.
#7: Don’t Tell the Children
Do you mean to tell me that those cute little chicks were actually destined to become snake food? That’s…kind of dark. I totally understand that the animals have to eat too. But it’s still a little bit sad to think about those fluffy little chicks being gobbled up by a snake.
I guess it’s just a reminder that nature can be pretty ruthless sometimes. At least the visitors got to believe that the chicks were going to a good home! Perhaps some of them did end up as pets or in the petting zoo. It’s just one of those little white lies that we tell to keep the peace.
#8: Nothing Goes to Waste!
That’s certainly one way to recycle! It does make sense – if an animal has passed away, it’s better to make use of its remains rather than just throwing them away. And it’s not like the carnivores would object to a little extra protein in their diet. But it’s a little bit weird to think about…
Imagine working at the zoo and seeing a lion chowing down on a giraffe you used to care for. It’s like something out of a surreal nightmare! But that’s just part of the circle of life. Plus, the carnivores probably appreciate the variety in their diet. I’m sure they get tired of eating the same food every day!
#9: What is That Smell?
Sure, the long hours and weekends of being a zookeeper would be tough, but the stench? That’s a whole other level of gross. I can only imagine what kind of smells you’d be carrying around after a day of cleaning up animal poop and dealing with…well, just about everything else that comes with working with animals.
And getting kicked out of stores? That’s rough! I guess it’s good that your coworkers don’t mind the smell. And who needs a social life when you’ve got a whole zoo full of animals to keep you company? They might not be great conversationalists, but at least they won’t judge you for smelling bad!
#10: Attention Seeking
If I was a lion stuck in a zoo enclosure all day, I’d probably be pretty bored too. I mean, what else do they have to do? So I guess it’s not too surprising that they resort to banging on the glass and trying to get people’s attention. They’re saying, “Hey, look at me! I’m a lion!”
“I’m fierce, powerful, and trapped in this tiny space, but I’m still awesome!” I can’t blame them for wanting some attention, but it’s still a little bit unnerving when they start pawing at the glass like that. It’s like they’re testing the limits – they know they can’t break through, but they’re trying to see how far they can push things.
#11: Facing Extinction
Who knew that hyenas could have such complicated social lives or that they couldn’t figure out who to mate with? And can you imagine being a zookeeper and dealing with all that animal drama? Having to figure out which hyena is a boy and which is a girl sounds like a nightmare.
It’s like organizing a giant, furry, spotted game of “he loves me, he loves me not.” I don’t envy the zookeepers who have to deal with all that, but I have to admit, it’s kind of fascinating in a weird way. Who knew that the sex lives of hyenas could be so complicated?
#12: Camel Humor
I can only imagine the shock (literally) of getting nudged into an electric fence. It’s funny how animals can develop their personalities and quirks, just like humans do. I wonder if the camel enjoyed watching people stumble and get zapped or if it was just trying to play a harmless game.
Either way, it’s a good reminder to always be on your guard when working around animals, even if they seem harmless. You never know when they might have a mischievous streak and are actually cheeky pranksters. Something tells me that this one was the comedy clown of the entire zoo.
#13: A Different Kind of Baby Shower
Oh my gosh, that’s…horrifying. I know that animals don’t have the same cultural beliefs about death and grieving that we do, but still. That’s not exactly the image I want in my head when I think about baboons! But it’s probably better to lie to the customers about this kind of thing than for them to know the truth…
They have their own way of dealing with things, even if it seems a little bit gruesome to us. But hey, I guess that’s part of the job when you work at a zoo. You have to be prepared for the unexpected – even if it means cleaning up after a bunch of baboons who are going through some…weird stuff.
#14: The Monkey Stages of Grieving
It’s amazing how similar some animal behaviors are to humans. It’s like a twisted version of the old “switched at birth” stories you hear about sometimes. But in this case, it’s a monkey carrying around a raccoon as if it’s their own offspring, only to realize the dark truth too late.
Of course, It’s sad, but I’m kind of amazed to see how even animals can make these kinds of mistakes. It just goes to show that nature is full of surprises, and as zookeepers, these people have to be prepared for anything. Thank goodness they don’t seem to throw any poop or urine!
#15: Watch Your Head
Giraffes using their heads like medieval maces? That’s just wild! I mean, who knew these long-necked herbivores had a hidden naughty side? Next time you’re at the zoo, take a closer look at those innocent, doe-eyed giraffes, and remember this fact about what’s really hiding behind those sweet faces.
Beneath it, there’s a sneaky prankster waiting to strike. I guess when you’re that tall, you’ve got to keep yourself entertained somehow – even if it means causing trouble for the humans. So, my fellow zoo-goers, beware: you might just find yourself in a game of “whack-a-zookeeper” with a giraffe as your stealthy, spotted opponent!
#16: Sorry, Buddy
I can totally relate to this zookeeper’s frustration! People can be so clueless sometimes. It’s like they expect the animals to put on a show for them on command. Do they not realize that these are real living creatures, not actors? Zookeepers can’t just click their fingers and expect them to start jumping around.
And don’t even get me started on those complaining about the animals sleeping or not doing anything exciting. Like, hello – they have their schedules and habits just like we do! Some people need a reality check when it comes to visiting the zoo. It’s not a theme park or a movie; it’s a place to observe and appreciate nature.
#17: People Ruin Everything
Visitors cause plenty of headaches wherever they go, especially when they don’t follow the rules or don’t have any common sense. But, at the same time, the whole point of a zoo is to educate people about animals and conservation. So, it’s a pesky catch-22 situation when it comes to zoos…
On the one hand, we need visitors to keep the zoo running and support the animals. But on the other hand, some visitors can be a real pain. The key is to strike a balance and educate visitors about behaving properly when visiting the zoo. That way, everyone can enjoy the animals without causing any unnecessary stress.
#18: Monkey Business
I’m going to start avoiding the monkey enclosures like the plague! I can’t even imagine what it would be like to get hit with monkey poop – that’s definitely not on my bucket list. But it’s funny to think about how these little primates can be so mischievous and unpredictable. It’s all part of the fun of working at a zoo!
You never know what you’re going to get. As long as I’m not getting pelted with poop, I think I’m up for the challenge. All jokes aside, though, I have so much respect for zookeepers and their hard work in caring for these amazing animals, especially since they have to deal with all this poop!
#19: Rinse and Repeat
It’s a fact – being a zookeeper also means being a professional poop picker-upper and food deliverer. Taking care of animals requires a lot of dirty work. But, I have to say, I never really thought about all the behind-the-scenes tasks that go into running a zoo. It’s kind of like being a parent.
You have to take care of all the less glamorous stuff to ensure your little ones are healthy and happy. I’m just glad there are people out there willing to do this kind of work because I definitely don’t think I could handle it! Here’s to all the zookeepers out there who are doing the real MVP work.
#20: That Fishy Smell
As if cleaning out a duck pond wasn’t bad enough, this zookeeper had to deal with a whole train carriage’s worth of stinky clothes? That’s some serious dedication right there! Working with animals that smell like dead fish all day must be tough. I love penguins as much as the next person.
But I don’t think I could handle smelling like fish all the time. However, that’s the price you pay for working with animals. It’s not always glamorous, but it’s definitely rewarding. After a while, that fishy smell becomes a part of your personal brand. If you want to be a zookeeper, you gotta put up with this smell.
#21: Women, Watch Out
I can’t believe that monkeys could be so forward. Are they smart? Sure. Curious animals, like George? Definitely. But sexually interested in humans? That seems a little bit far-fetched. It’s definitely a good thing that the zookeepers are there to keep an eye on things and make sure that nothing inappropriate happens.
I always thought of monkeys as these cute and innocent little creatures, but I guess they have their own desires and instincts, just like we do. This story has given me a new perspective on these furry little primates. Next time I visit the zoo, I’ll stay away from any monkeys.
#22: Playful at Heart
Most of us think of rhinos as these giant, intimidating beasts that you wouldn’t want to mess with. But it’s kind of heartwarming to think that they enjoy being scratched and getting treats just like dogs do. Clearly, appearances can be deceiving, even when it comes to some frightening zoo animals!
It’s funny, though – I never really thought of rhinos as being particularly cute or cuddly, but now I’m starting to see them in a whole new light. Maybe next time I visit the zoo, I’ll have to try and make friends with a rhino. However, I’ll stick to the fruit and scratches and not get too close…
#23: Long Day at the Office
Zebras prove that the saying “never work with children or animals” is absolutely true. They can be cute and charming one moment and then suddenly turn into total divas the next. I can only imagine what it must be like to work on a wildlife reserve way out in South Africa.
It sounds like a dream job, but I’m sure it comes with its fair share of challenges. Still, it’s definitely a story that you’ll remember for a long time. The most unexpected things can happen when you’re working with animals, no matter where you are. You just have to be ready for anything, especially on safari…
#24: The Otter Way
Just because an animal looks innocent and harmless doesn’t mean that it can’t be a total savage when it comes to getting its next meal. Otters and hippos are the perfect examples of this! It’s kind of fascinating to think about how all these different animals have their unique hunting strategies and techniques.
It definitely gives you a new appreciation for the animal kingdom! Although I think I’ll avoid otters entirely at the zoo – I don’t think I’m quite ready to witness their predatory side firsthand. Let me just pretend they’re still cute and cuddly little creatures for a while longer; thank you!
#25: The Case of the Missing Finger
Holy cow, that’s wild! It’s so weird finding a phantom finger anywhere but in a tiger enclosure, of all places. Look out, Hollywood – we’ve got the start of a horror movie ready. Maybe it was some sort of weird prank? Or could it have come from a nearby hospital or medical facility?
Even so, it’s definitely one of the craziest stories I’ve heard from a zookeeper. This incident is a clear example of how working with exotic animals can be dangerous and unpredictable. I don’t think I’ll be volunteering for tiger duty anytime soon. We should be very afraid of carnivores… They might take a finger without you realizing it!
#26: Feeding Day at the Zoo
Who in their right mind would throw a pineapple into a gorilla or chimp enclosure? I guess some people just don’t understand the danger and unpredictability of wild animals. It’s not like the animals will politely catch the fruit and say thank you for the extra snack – that’d be crazy!
It’s gotta be painful getting hit by pineapple at full force. However, thankfully, zookeepers are trained to handle these situations and keep everyone safe. But seriously, people must respect the animals and follow the rules when visiting the zoo. Let’s leave the fruit-throwing skills to the monkeys, shall we?
#27: Always Take the Weather With You
That’s a great tip! You wouldn’t think that cold weather makes the animals more active, but it makes sense when you think about it. Just think about it – some people feel more energized on a crisp fall day than they do on a hot summer day. They’ll run in the park while the rest of us chill inside!
It’s always amazing to see the animals up close and personal. If I can catch them when they’re at their most active, that would be even better. Plus, it’s a good excuse to bundle up in some warm clothes and sip on a hot coffee while I stroll around the zoo. Sounds like a perfect day to me!
#28: The Big Kick
Ostriches might seem like big, goofy birds, but apparently, they have some serious power behind those long legs. I can’t even imagine the force it would take to disembowel someone with a kick. It’s definitely not something I want to experience firsthand. I have to give credit to the zookeepers who work with these animals daily.
It takes a lot of bravery and skill to handle such powerful creatures. I’ll definitely be staying far away from the ostrich enclosure on my next zoo visit. Fun fact – they often use this kick to keep themselves safe from lions in the wild. This defense mechanism works pretty well!
#29: Obsession
Wait, are you telling me that the secret to getting a big cat’s attention is a spritz of Calvin Klein’s Obsession cologne? That’s wild! I would never have thought that perfume could have such a big impact on these animals. It’s amazing how sensitive their sense of smell must be to pick up on the musk in the cologne.
I can just picture a bunch of big cats going crazy over a whiff of Obsession. I wonder if this would work on my cat at home… Maybe I’ll have to give it a try and see if she starts acting like a jungle predator. Either that, or it’ll annoy her to no end…
#30: In Case of Emergency
The fact that zoos would need to have contingency plans for emergencies is quite odd. It’s kind of crazy to think about having to prioritize which animals to sacrifice to feed the others. I can’t imagine having to make that kind of decision. But at the same time, having a plan in place for worst-case scenarios makes sense.
We, humans, tend to think of ourselves as the all-mighty creators, but when push comes to shove, animals are more important. It just goes to show that there’s so much more that goes into running a zoo than most people realize. It takes a lot of work and preparation to keep both the animals and the visitors safe.
#31: Always on Guard
If I’ve learned one thing from this list, it’s that being a zookeeper is not for the faint of heart! The fact that you can casually list off all those injuries just goes to show how common it must be to get hurt on the job. It’s impossible to even think about how they even got some of these injuries.
But in all seriousness, it takes a lot of bravery to work with these animals daily. It’s a reminder that even the cutest and most cuddly-looking creatures can be dangerous when provoked. It’s a good thing that zookeepers are so well-trained to handle these kinds of situations – do you think you could do it?
#32: King of the Jungle
Honestly, things can change quicker than you might think in a zoo environment. One minute, you’re admiring the majestic lions from behind the safety of their enclosure. The next, you’re watching them tear apart a deer right in front of you. You don’t see this kind of thing every day!
But the important thing to take away is just how wild and unpredictable these animals can be. As much as we may want to think of them as cute and cuddly, the reality is that they are still predators at heart. They are still wild creatures who we need to treat with great awe, respect, and caution.
#33: Mr. Wallaby
Okay, I have to agree – there’s also a little part of me that secretly hopes for an escaped animal every time I go to the zoo too. It’s not that I want anyone to get hurt, but there’s something so thrilling about seeing a wild animal on the loose. Plus, it would add some excitement to an otherwise predictable outing!
But at the same time, I know that it’s not a joke when it comes to animal escapes. It’s a serious matter that could endanger both the animals and visitors. So as much as I might secretly hope for a Mr. Wallaby code announcement, I’m also glad to know that the zoo takes its safety protocols seriously.
#34: Ok, Then…
Quite literally, I did not see that one coming. It’s hard to believe that ever doing this practice to whales is actually part of someone’s job description. But I guess that’s just a testament to how far zoos and aquariums will go to ensure the survival of endangered species.
You have to admire the dedication and passion that these professionals have for their work. Evidently, being a zookeeper or animal trainer is not always as glamorous as it might seem. But if it means that we can help preserve these amazing creatures for the future, then I’m all for it.
#35: Just Smile and Waves, Boys
When it comes to penguins, people always think that they are so innocent and lovely, and whilst there might be some truth to this, apparently, they aren’t as angelic as everyone seems to think… Considering we only ever see them play cute characters in movies, we don’t really know what they’re like in real life.
Apparently, penguins are actually quite sneaky! Who would have thought? They seem like such serious and content creatures that we can’t even imagine them playing around as a joke. Either way, we think penguins are just the cutest, and we can’t wait till we see one next!
#36: Let the Fun and Games Begin
There is no denying that when it comes to any workplace, there are certain departments that are “better” to work in than others. Whether it be the hours, the nature of the work, or the people you get to work with, choosing the right department can often make or break whether you like your job.
And when it comes to working in a zoo, it seems like the best place to work is the aquarium! Sure, there is a lot of work to get done, but considering that you get to swim with all the fish and hang out with beautiful sea creatures all day long, it would be pretty mesmerizing.
#37: Dietary Requirements
It’s a fact – each zoo creature is used to eating specific things in its natural habitat. So, we need to take such specific dietary needs into account to keep them healthy. Think about it being like how humans have different cultural food preferences and dietary restrictions. But it’s not a preference for spicy food or a gluten allergy…
Instead, it’s a preference for horse meat or a need for baby mice! If these stories have proven anything, it’s that being a zookeeper is not for the squeamish or faint of heart. Still, it’s amazing to see how much work goes into ensuring that these animals are happy and healthy in captivity.
#38: Do it For the Animals
It’s definitely true that many people who work in not-for-profit industries, like zoos, are incredibly passionate about what they do. I’ve always admired that level of dedication and commitment to a cause. It’s inspiring to see people who are willing to work tirelessly, often for very little pay at all.
They do it just because they believe in something so strongly. But at the same time, it’s really unfortunate that so many of these jobs don’t last long or don’t pay well enough to sustain a comfortable lifestyle. It’s really important for society to value and support these kinds of jobs.
#39: We’re All Best Friends
Oh my goodness, I can only imagine the smell! I guess that’s one downside to the job… But at least they will have friends because the other zookeepers smell too. I never really thought about how each type of animal would require extra care. Still, it makes sense because you’ve got to be really dedicated to your creature.
I can see how hanging out with other zookeepers who take care of the same type of animal would be helpful. They probably have all sorts of tricks and tips to deal with the unique challenges that come with that particular species. Plus, they would be the only ones who truly understand the stench!
#40: Be Kind to Animals
These stories are truly disturbing, and it’s hard to believe that people could be so cruel to animals. I love animals and have a deep respect for those who work with them. So, to me, it’s infuriating to hear about these senseless acts of violence. This is why the existence of zoos is so important…
They have a huge role in educating the public about the need for the conservation and protection of endangered species. We must do everything we can to ensure the safety and well-being of these magnificent creatures, and it starts with raising awareness and promoting responsible behavior toward all animals, no matter the type.
#41: Hello, Tigger
Haha, that sounds like a lot of fun! I can’t even imagine what it must have been like to see someone dressed as Tigger running around the zoo, trying to escape. It’s good to know that the zookeepers take escape drills seriously and are prepared for any emergency situation, even hilarious ones like this!
I have a newfound appreciation for the behind-the-scenes work that goes into maintaining a zoo, from the crazy stories to the more mundane tasks like drills and safety procedures. And for the guys who have to pretend to be escaped animals by dressing up in costumes – that’s a great job to have!
#42: Safety is No Joke
I never knew that zookeepers had to be so prepared for emergencies! It’s almost like being a zookeeper is a divided job – you need to be part detective, part warrior. In this sort of career, the workers have to go to pretty extreme lengths to keep themselves and the public safe.
On the other hand, there’s got to be such an adrenaline rush and fear that comes with a situation like this. Forget about video games – you’ve got all the rush you need here! Zookeepers have to be ready to defend themselves at any moment. But how on earth is a rake going to keep you safe from a tiger?!
#43: Man the Buckets At All Times
Well, that tortoise really takes ‘loving things to death’ to a whole new level! I guess it’s true what they say, love knows no bounds – not even for inanimate objects. Maybe he just really had a thing for buckets; who knows? It’s amazing how animals can be so unpredictable sometimes.
At least the tortoise was focused on the bucket and not on the zookeeper! But seriously, it’s fascinating to see how animals can develop unique personalities and quirks, even in a captive environment. I bet working with those tortoises was never a dull moment.
#44: Drama, Drama, Drama
The saying is true: hell hath no fury like a zookeeper scorned. Seriously, it’s surprising to think that there’s that much drama in a place where everyone is working towards a common goal. I hope it didn’t affect the well-being of the animals. On a lighter note, I imagine the stories from those conflicts were quite juicy…
It’s like a soap opera but with more elephants and neonates. What could have caused such intense conflict between keepers? Maybe it was a fight over who gets to clean the elephant pen or who has the better food for their animals. Either way, let’s leave the drama at the door and focus on what’s really important.
#45: Karens Ruin Everything
It’s always good to be prepared, even if it means facing the possibility of a lion roaming around. However, it’s alarming how some people refuse to follow safety protocols just because they think they know better. It’s not just about them; it’s about the safety of everyone around them that’s important.
In situations like these, it’s important to keep a level head and act quickly. And who knows, maybe one day you’ll get to be the one running around in a lion onesie, scaring your coworkers and putting their safety skills to the test. Just make sure it’s not on Halloween, or you might give some kids nightmares!
#46: Keep it On the Low
That’s definitely not a risk I’d want to take. Can you imagine coming face to face with a loose animal while you’re trying to enjoy a family day out? It’s good that they have protocols in place to ensure everyone’s safety, but still, it’s a pretty crazy situation to think about.
I guess in smaller zoos, they have to do what they can to keep the doors open, even if it means searching for a runaway animal. But let’s hope it never comes to that. The last thing we need is a bunch of escaped animals causing chaos and mayhem in the streets!
#47: Gentle Creatures
When it comes to certain zoo animals, there are some that have always been given a bad reputation… We’re not saying that these reputations aren’t also warranted due to instances in the past, but it can be hard for anyone to look past these animals and see something pure and good.
Look, big cats are definitely scary animals, and we probably wouldn’t go near them unless there is a big fence separating us. However, there are some people that think they are rather cuddly creatures… This is the kind of thing you learn if you ever get to work with them.
#48: Rain, Rain, Go Away
There is no denying that when it comes to customer service, the customer is always right. Whilst this might be a true statement to live by in certain industries, it isn’t the way zookeepers look at the world… The second you walk into a zoo, you must realize that you are in a completely different territory.
At the zoo, the animals and the zookeepers rule, and as far as they’re concerned, the customer’s opinion doesn’t really matter. We have no doubt that it would feel frustrating to come to the zoo when there is bad weather and not be able to see the different animals, but hey, that’s life.
#49: Tranqualize and Capture
I always thought jaguars were cute, but now I’m not so sure. I guess it’s a good reminder that even in a controlled environment like a zoo, we’re still dealing with wild animals. But on a lighter note, can you imagine a golden retriever-sized jaguar? That would be quite the sight!
In the meantime, I’ll stick to cute and cuddly animals like otters. Did you know that otters hold hands while they sleep, so they don’t drift apart? Now that’s something to aww over. Oh, wait…they like to feed on other animals as well. Are they no adorable animals left anymore?
#50: Sea Star Madness
It might not seem like it, but when it comes to maintaining aquariums, there is a lot of love, money, and care that goes into making sure these specific ecosystems will remain in good health. So when even one thing is removed from this whole ecosystem, it has the potential to disrupt the entire thing.
But as a kid, you don’t generally have the capacity to understand things like ecosystems or why they might be important, so you just do whatever you want. Or at least that’s what this little kid did… Luckily for him, starfish actually grow their limbs back if they have become injured.
#51: The Right to Protest
There is no denying that everyone out there feels passionate about certain things. Even though it might be difficult to maintain your protesting strike, if you feel passionate enough about something, it won’t feel like much of a sacrifice. Clearly, this woman didn’t feel like she had much to lose…
Can you imagine seeing this happen on your day out to the zoo? There is no denying that there are many people out there that believe zoos aren’t the best place for an animal to be, but there is also a way to protest this kind of thing that doesn’t involve animal blood…
#52: The Tortoise and the Hare
When it comes to certain people doing dumb things, there isn’t always a proper justification to support them and their actions. If you are in a certain place or at an establishment, you need to respect and adhere to the rules set in place by staff and security. If you don’t, you can’t complain about the forthcoming consequences…
So when this person decided to try and pick up a 100lbs tortoise, they only had themselves to blame… Why in the world would anyone do such a thing? Not only does this person not have the slightest idea about what a tortoise weighs or what they are capable of, but it also isn’t their place to decide something like that.
#53: Just a Part of Life
As wonderful as animals are, there is no getting around the unpredictability that they bring with them. So when people go and visit the zoo or see animals in their everyday lives, it can be confronting when they do something that is somewhat unexpected or simply just animal behavior…
The fact that this mother was annoyed that a monkey went to the bathroom in front of her and her child is kind of ridiculous… She does realize that they don’t have a different area where they go and do their business, right? Some customers really are ridiculous…
#54: A Turn of Events
When it comes to visiting the zoo, the aquarium, or any other place that houses small and large animals, you always assume that you are safe and in good hands. Considering that these people house animals for a living and know that they are secure in their enclosures, you have nothing to worry about, right?
Well, they might have everything under control most of the time, but at the end of the day, they’re only human… Can you imagine being at the zoo for a fun night out and having to spend an hour of the evening inside because a large animal has somehow escaped?
#55: Don’t Test the Chimps…
There is nothing quite as challenging as taking a group of kids on an excursion… If you have ever worked with kids before, then you know just how intense it can be. From trying to manage the unexpected to keeping all kids fed, smiling, and looked after, it can be a wild ride.
Well, if you ever plan on taking a group of kids on an excursion, we suggest staying away from the zoo because, apparently, they can get themselves into trouble there. We would hate to think what would have happened if this example happened in today’s world… Because back in the 90s, no one would have made too big of a fuss about this.
#56: Can I Offer You Some Honey?
If you think about it, so many of us understand certain things from watching television and movies that it can start to get confusing about what is real and what is made up. But you would think that grown-ups would have some more common sense than children to know how to tell these things apart…
At an ecology center, there were once three men who tried to physically feed black bears honey, because of Winnie the Pooh. Just because one of the bears was named after the famous bear doesn’t mean that he would have actually wanted to eat honey…
#57: Silly, But Cute
There are some animals in the world that are so cute and funny that it seems like they were created just for our amusement. Alas, this is definitely not their purpose. However, we do get a laugh out of them every so often, and when we do, it makes everything a little bit better.
The idea of a puffer fish is so wild; how on earth was a fish like this created? The fact that it can blow itself up as a defense is so cool, but it can find itself in some pretty places after doing so… When these divers had to go and save this fish, they probably couldn’t stop laughing.
#58: Go Free, My Friend
When it comes to the zoo, some people have very complicated feelings about that kind of establishment. Even though many zoos are committed to conservation, there is no denying that some zoos aren’t helping certain efforts when it comes to looking after animals.
After this guy had spent the summer looking after a raccoon, he couldn’t handle the thought that this same raccoon would be locked up in its cage while he wouldn’t there… So instead of leaving this animal lonely in his own cell, he decided to let him loose and to be honest, we kind of think he made the right decision.
#59: Sun Salutations
Even though people say that monkeys and animals are similar in nature, it can often be hard to see these similarities when you don’t spend much time with the other. Sure, you might go to the zoo every other year, but when you are constantly meeting these creatures, you tend to see the similarities more and more.
Can you imagine seeing a monkey salute the sun every morning? This sounds like a special thing to have witnessed. Sun salutations are a very common practice for some people when they wake up, especially if they choose to start their morning by doing yoga.
#60: What Did You Think Would Happen?
Have you ever walked past an exhibition and thought to yourself, why would anyone have set this particular thing up? Often there are these interactive parts of exhibitions that allow people to take part in the exhibition itself… More often than not, these interactive things prove to trust people too much.
Whilst it feels like we should blame this woman for grabbing this fin, we would also like to understand the reasoning behind this establishment’s choice to make such an exhibition… Obviously, people are going to do the wrong thing if they have the chance to… We hope they changed this exhibition after this encounter.
#61: Let’s Make a Trade
Everyone always loves to talk about how intelligent some animals are… And whilst we want to believe them, it can be hard to believe that an animal could have the same capacity that a human does to understand similar things. However, some stories are just too persuasive for us to think otherwise…
When this person realized this chimpanzee had taken her keys, she had to think of a smart way to get them back. It turns out that the monkey was happy to do some sort of trade for a banana… The only thing was that this monkey ended up with around 20 bananas, which proves he knew what he was doing…
#62: You Ready For This, Kids?
When it comes to children, it doesn’t always take so much to keep them happy and entertained. Sure, they can throw a hissy fit over something small and inconvenient happening to them, but for the most part, they can feel ok with experiencing different things from time to time.
Getting sprayed with some sort of pheromonous urine isn’t anyone’s idea of a good thing, but for these kids, it was just another thing to add to their story of being at the zoo. To be honest, it’s better it happened to them than to adults because we have a feeling that adults wouldn’t be as forgiving.
#63: Zoo Secrets
For the most part, when it comes to zoos, it is safe to assume that the people that are in charge generally care about animals and know that they are accountable to these animals under their care. However, apparently, it isn’t always the case for every zoo…
Can you imagine having a zoo scandal where you work because the owners didn’t care enough to keep their animals safe? If they knew that there was a faulty electric fence, surely they should have tended to it… The death of this beautiful creature is on their hands.
#64: Psycho Octopus Strikes Again…
When it comes to maintaining a zoo, there are so many different things to consider. From maintaining the zoo on a business level to ensuring that all of the animal’s well-being is taken care of, these people have their plates full of responsibility.
After there were one too many times when sharks were turning up dead in their tanks, this zoo decided to do a little extra research… Who knew that an octopus could take on a shark and win? There is something so weird about this story…Now there is one more sea creature we have to stay away from.
#65: Don’t Upset the Camels
I’m all for getting up close and personal with animals, but there’s a line. And that line is definitely drawn at getting covered in…whatever it is that camels are spitting out. Do these animals have no sense of cleanliness or hygiene? I’m sure it’s not pleasant, even if it is just saliva…
But… it’s not saliva? That’s a whole other level of disgusting! I totally understand why they do it when they’re angry. I think I’ll just stick to admiring the camels from a safe distance. In fact, these stories have already given me second thoughts about ever visiting the zoo again.