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Opinion

Zoos add bang to earn a few more bucks

Christian Ochoa
Opinion Columnist  

The reasons to visit zoos used to be innocent -- watching the sea lions being fed, seeing the giraffes take care of their young or falling into an algae-covered coy pond. These childlike reasons to visit a local zoo haven't been turning out enough profit, though, so some zoos have come up with a way to earn an extra buck: adult entertainment. 

Last week, zoos across the country attempted to draw in patrons who wanted something interesting to do on Valentine's Day by offering tours that provided a window into animal mating habits. 

For $50, anyone could witness a cage filled to the brim with jungle love. But the animal mating isn't just limited to fun facts about the dimensions of certain attachments. 

The mating habits are eclectic, as well: Manatees have orgies and don't care if their partner is male or female; male porcupines have only one four-hour window per year to mate; and males pigs have corkscrew-shaped genitalia. 

In their defense, zoos aren't promoting zoophilia, just acknowledging that sex sells, no matter the setting. 

Other entities have used sex to earn a buck. Abercrombie & Fitch uses live, chiseled male models to sell to clothes to women and unsuspecting men. Hooters is infamous for using "talented" waitresses to shovel food, and the tobacco industry uses lovely ladies and handsome men in its marketing schemes. 

There are some, however, who feel the wholesome feeling zoos are associated with has been tainted by the mating tours. 

Granted, sex is not the most tactful way of reeling in zoo patrons, but watching a cage a-rockin' beats any steamy scene on daytime TV. 

Besides, there are some parents who don't feel comfortable talking about the birds and the bees with their young children. 

Instead of parents giving metaphor-filled discussions about sex, a live action sequence of events might help relate the big issue of sex to a child. 

After all, zoos were created to educate patrons about the world beyond their impeccable lawns. 

Perhaps seeing animals engaging in their own mating rituals will also give comfort to young teenagers. They may feel better knowing their new urges are perfectly aligned with nature. 

It's good to see some zoos have taken a page from the Discovery Channel and realized animal sex is a hit. 

Ochoa, a creative writing junior, 
can be reached via dccampus@mail.uh.edu