/r/CaptiveWildlife

Photograph via snooOG
Welcome to Captive Wildlife!
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A community for stories and pictures from wildlife rehabilitation, zoos and aquariums! We welcome all relevant posts, whether you work with captive wildlife or simply had an interesting day at the zoo.


Found a wild animal that appears to be abandoned or injured? Click here.

Interested in working with captive animals? Click here.


Affiliated subreddits:

Zoology

Animals

Foxes

Birds of Prey

AnimalPorn

Red Pandas

Aww

ShrimpTank

PetDoves

Crayfish

WildlifeRehab

Opossums

Species

DiscoveredSpecies


List of all animal related subreddits

/r/CaptiveWildlife

5,824 Subscribers

21

Why do you all hate anyone or facility that cares for non rehabilitatable non domestic animals

I made a post a while ago and it seemed like everyone here believed the concept of keeping any non rehabilitatable animal alive was this horrific cruel awful thing but like this subreddit is literally about captive wildlife????? I don’t understand

How can you all be in a subreddit and also be against the very thing the subreddit is about?

Why do you believe that no animal could ever be even slightly comfortable in captivity just because it’s not domestic ? Do you hate every person who owns a reptile? Or hamsters?

Cats essentially domesticated themselves TWICE… so you can’t possibly say it’s just human greed

15 Comments
2024/10/26
08:31 UTC

6

What do we trade for Pandas?

Sorry for the dumb title.

I saw on Colbert tonight that last week China lent two amazing pandas to the National Zoo. I mean, everyone loves pandas, right? Kinda exotic and cool to North Americans. My question is what are the animals from North America that zoos from other parts of the world really love and ask for?

12 Comments
2024/10/24
04:32 UTC

14

Someone suggested I ask over here instead: how can I tell if a zoo is ethical?

8 Comments
2024/10/13
04:31 UTC

5

We have an upcoming game where you will be able to build your very own wildlife sanctuary and take care of different animals, including dinosaurs!

0 Comments
2024/09/23
17:27 UTC

1

Southwest Camel Conference

A packed schedule of lectures and handling classes including domestic and wild camel topics. Camel not required!

0 Comments
2024/09/20
16:41 UTC

2

Any zoo that have good intern programs in UK or outside of the UK??

I'm currently in my second year of zoology at the university, and I'm searching for a summer or internship position working with animals. My goal is to gain more experience in order to make it easier for me to obtain employment at a zoo or somewhere else.

6 Comments
2024/09/10
22:12 UTC

3

Elephant and Cetacean housing in captivity

I just wanted to hear people's opinions on housing elephants and cetaceans in zoos. I hear a lot of controversies even when given several acres of space, so I wanna know different sides of the opinion.

My personal opinion is that elephants and most cetaceans shouldn't be in most zoos, although I think among the best in captivity are belugas, which from what I see do quite well in captivity (of course if given the proper care), albeit sometimes also do quite bad.

11 Comments
2024/08/16
23:15 UTC

7

How to work with wildlife?

Hello:) I don’t ask questions on reddit often, but I’d really appreciate some guidance here.

I am about to enter my last semester before graduating with a bachelors in Ecosystem sciences. My passion is with animals, and I would like to find a career centered around the care of wild/exotic animals.

I have considered many routes, but I do not think I can go and get my master’s/ go through more university. Right now I am leaning most towards getting certified as a veterinary technologist, hoping to find work in a wildlife sanctuary or zoo setting.

I am not sure if getting certified as a vet tech is my best route, as I know the pay is not great. I would like to be able to live comfortably, while also pursuing something I am passionate about. If I could go back in time, I would’ve got a BS instead of a BA and complete a pre-vet track. But I don’t meet any of the requirements to get into any vet school.

How do put my bachelor’s to use? I would love to do wildlife rehab/hands on work with exotics and wildlife. What should I do after I graduate in December?

4 Comments
2024/08/03
13:47 UTC

4

Wild Mouse & Human Health

So I live in the middle of nowhere and we get wild mice in the house all the time. Usually the bio mother uses mouse traps to deal with them which makes me sad because I am an animal lover. Anyway this one little mouse accidentally got itself trapped in this plastic thingy and I didn't want it to starve or have anyone unalive it so I tried to help it out (thinking it would use my hand as a ladder and then scurry off somewhere, although I realise now I probably should have used something other than my hand). Well instead it climbed all the way up my arm, across my shoulders and then slowly started trying to go down my back (meanwhile I speed walked to the door) and then it jumped down onto the ground from the top of my butt as soon as I made it outside.

Well I am wondering if I should be worried about anything health wise? Tbh I didn't really think it through in multilple ways but now I'm thinking about it and remembering that wild mice are usually said to be very dirty and disease ridden so I'm kinda wondering if I should be calling a doctor for a certain medication or shot or something I dunno lol. I washed myself off with some soap after, and he did bite me at one point but it didn't break the skin so I think I am good there at least. Please don't make fun of me for being an idiot LOL

Thanks!

4 Comments
2024/07/09
17:31 UTC

1

Please Help! To have more security with chimpanzees!

New ideas for healthier and safer environment with chimpanzees :

(1) Chimpanzees are often labelled as the most dangerous animals in a zoo!

(2) They can attack people for many reasons, but in case of direct contact, human blood is almost always spilled!

(3) In their natural environment they often hunt smaller monkey to eat them raw on the spot!

(4) In captivity they almost never get raw red meat, but instead "protein monkey biscuits" that are given to mostly vegetarian apes like gorillas like they are also given to naturally meat hungry chimpanzees!

(5) Now you can see the problem, a meat starving chimpanzee spills blood from a human because it was angry, frustrated or whatever, and suddenly it receives an amazing reward : fresh blood then it's obviously difficult for the animal to avoid getting a bit more and again a bit more!

(6) If the calming effect of the raw meat hypothesis is correct, giving once or twice a week red meat to chimps could decrease the frequency and gravity of their attacks when they happen. The results of this new diet on chimps aggressiveness could be tested with games when zoo keepers stay outside the cages, etc.

These ideas are summarized there (English checked subtitles) with fantastical scenes of chimpanzees hunting smaller monkeys. The video sources indicated there are part of a very interesting documentaries that demonstrate many chimpanzees behaviors in the wilderness and in captivity.

10 Comments
2024/07/02
15:12 UTC

2

Otters Teeth Might Be Sharp But Not That Sharp (Credit to meki.ri.a on Instagram)

0 Comments
2024/06/23
14:57 UTC

13

Careers in Wildlife Conservation

Greetings fellow Reddit connoisseurs.

It has always been my dream to work with animals in the future. I have some feeler questions I’m hoping you lovely people can give some insight on. Please note I value everyone’s input and am happy to elaborate further on anything if it helps you answer my questions.

. What alternative avenues are viable without a degree?

. What wildlife rehabilitation programs are worthwhile in your opinion?

.My true dream is to be an Ethologist does anyone know good education programs to get me towards that goal?

. I’m aware the pay is never very fruitful in itself so what networking opportunities have you found to be a supplemental income ?(ex. Forest Galante works with TV networks and has a YouTube channel)

. I’m trying to avoid Zoo’s and stay more focused on conservation centers is there any you’ve found that truly work for the animals and aren’t cash grabs?

.Is there any Wildlife Conservationists that you recommend looking into? I’m always interested in learning more from various sources and perspectives.

. As for permits and licensing what do you recommend I work towards acquiring ?

2 Comments
2024/06/14
18:03 UTC

14

Invitation to Participate in an IRB-approved study examining moral injury among animal care workers

Looking for zookeepers and aquarists!

Attention Animal Care Workers! 🐾

Are you a volunteer or worker involved in direct animal care? We need your help! Participate in our study exploring attachment and moral injury among animal care workers. Your insights can help us understand the unique challenges faced by those who care for our furry friends.

We are looking for animal control officers/investigators, shelter and rescue workers, veterinary medicine workers, wildlife rehabilitators, dog trainers and walkers, zoo workers, aquarists, exotic and farm animal caregivers, and others who work with animals in a work or volunteer capacity to complete our anonymous online survey. 

By participating, you'll contribute to vital research aimed at improving mental health support for animal care workers and help shape future interventions.

Interested? Click the link below to learn more and participate!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/63ZFLXS

Your voice matters! Help us make a difference in the lives of animal care workers everywhere. 🐶🐱

6 Comments
2024/06/12
22:20 UTC

2

Cats React to Grass Patch Hunting Box Toy

0 Comments
2024/06/11
06:01 UTC

5

Any good UK Uni's/Colleges?

Hi!

I'm looking into being a zoo keeper when I'm older(Especially working with giant Otters) and need help finding Uni's in the UK!

Any ex-uni students or Zoo keepers or generally anyone who can recommend some good ones?

2 Comments
2024/06/07
12:28 UTC

19

Pandas returning to National Zoo

I saw the news today that pandas are returning to the National Zoo in DC, but I see that it's two new bears and not the same ones that were there before but taken back to China.

My question is if anyone knows or has theories as to why they wouldn't just extend the contract and allow the original pandas to stay and live out their lives in DC. Why stress the pandas by returning them to China when they lived in DC and were happy, healthy, and well-cared for? (And I assume attached or accustomed to their caretakers as well.) And then to put two new pandas through the stress of coming here and adjusting just to replace them. It just seems it would be better for them all to stay put?

5 Comments
2024/05/29
16:19 UTC

2

Today, I visited the Los Angeles Zoo, where I took some photos and recorded a video.

0 Comments
2024/05/29
09:22 UTC

1

Land Slugs

Does anyone know of any “good” Land Slugs for captivity/Zoo if so please put in comments and some of the Pros and Cons

0 Comments
2024/05/28
23:29 UTC

6

Cincinnati zoo internship

Has anyone interned at the Cincinnati zoo? I would like to know more of what it is like and how competitive it is?

9 Comments
2024/05/28
09:06 UTC

0

How to make this illegal?

I know this wouldn't happen in our lifetime probably but I cant stand to see both land and sea animals be held captive in cages and aquariums just for people to see. It's very disturbing to me. How can we change this? How can we begin the process of making this not allowable? How to make it illegal?

8 Comments
2024/05/16
18:50 UTC

7

Question about trees when building a new zoo.

Ok. Please forgive me asking such an odd question. Im not even sure if this is the right sub to ask this in. A new zoo is planned to begin construction in the next year here locally. The current location was established 1927. Obviously there are many many beautiful mature trees providing shade for both the animals and patrons. How do they go about providing proper shade in a newly constructed zoo? Can they transplant large mature trees? Again sorry for the odd question

1 Comment
2024/05/16
17:55 UTC

7

Majestic as f'k

0 Comments
2024/04/08
16:22 UTC

1

Driving Trough Bears! Bearizona Williams, Arizona

0 Comments
2024/03/16
17:05 UTC

3

A true wild one!

0 Comments
2024/03/13
07:23 UTC

8

Is this normal?

Is it acceptable for monkeys to eat out of plastic ketchup bottles? I saw it happening at a zoo today and wondered if it’s normal?

2 Comments
2024/03/08
23:00 UTC

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