More than a decade ago, a citizen mobilization was generated in opposition to the construction of the BBVA Bancomer Stadium in the areas surrounding the La Pastora forest, in Guadalupe, Nuevo León. The construction was controversial because it was considered that it could put biodiversity and the ecological balance in the area at risk, which finally happened.
At present, some groups in society are concerned about the changes in the operation of the zoo in that place. This implies the relocation of animals to hunting ranches north of Nuevo León and the eventual change of focus of the site to include infrastructure that serves to hold World Cup soccer matches at the home of the Rayados de Monterrey club.
One of the arguments that support the rejection of the relocation of some beings in captivity to ranches is the possibility that they become victims of unregulated and illegal hunting. This concern is valid, given the possible serious consequences for the survival and well-being of wildlife in general.
The relocation of beings in captivity from the zoo in La Pastora, which have been used to living in environments where they depend on humans, may not be a pertinent action, due to the possibility that the previous confinement has led to an impairment of their natural abilities. survival without human assistance. But this does not mean that the referred space is adequate for these living beings.
Zoos have historically been criticized for confining living beings in confined spaces that do not meet their basic habitat needs. In La Pastora, the elephant or the deer that exist there would have special attention, considering that they require large territories to satisfy their natural requirements of movement and coexistence. In the case of elephants, who could require transfers of up to 80 kilometers a day and thousands of hectares of homes, a scenario that contrasts significantly with the confinement space, which in some cases barely exceeds one thousand square meters. The lack of sufficient areas and the restriction of movement can generate negative consequences for their physical and emotional well-being, making the justifications for their confinement questionable.
It is important to reflect on the feasibility of confining living beings in zoos for recreation purposes. While it is true that facilities of this type have historically been a tool for learning about wildlife and the conservation of species, it is also true that captivity can have negative consequences for the well-being of these confined living beings.
It is necessary to consider whether captivity in zoos is an ethical and necessary measure for the education and conservation of living beings. It is important that the government of Nuevo León analyze other options and alternatives, such as education in the classroom, the observation of living beings in their natural habitat, the development of educational technologies that allow interactive and virtual learning, and relocation to spaces that guarantee a better well-being than the zoo and that do prevent impacts on ecosystems, such as biological invasions.
From an ethical and moral point of view, the captivity of living beings for educational and recreational purposes for humans is not a justifiable practice. All species have the right to a free and dignified life, and confinement in zoos can have negative consequences for their physical and emotional well-being.
Given the risks and controversies related to the relocation of living beings to hunting ranches, and the ethical unsustainability of captivity in the zoo, it is necessary to propose alternatives for the well-being and protection of living beings confined in that space. This implies seeking appropriate and ethical relocation options for each of the animals, taking into account their specific needs and the conditions that allow them to live with dignity, in sanctuaries or reserves that are the permanent living space for beings that cannot be released. in natural ecosystems.
It is important to consider that no living being should be used for our entertainment. Any activity that involves their captivity must be carefully evaluated and ethical and sustainable alternatives must be sought for that option that is still in force.
It is important to highlight that reflection on the feasibility of confining living beings in zoos does not mean the disappearance of these places, but their transformation into wildlife conservation centers. These places can become spaces that contribute to the restoration and care of wildlife species that are damaged by conflicts with humans, such as bears, jaguars or opossums, among others.
In the specific case of the La Pastora zoo, it could be considered to maintain aquatic life species that historically existed in the city’s lagoons and rivers, but which have already disappeared in Monterrey, and which became extinct in the wild due to urbanization. Thanks to the rescue carried out by the Autonomous University of Nuevo León (UANL), these species could be preserved in a controlled and safe environment for their reproduction and eventual reintroduction to their natural habitat, with an operations center in La Pastora.
It is important to take into account that the relocation of living beings in captivity at the La Pastora Zoo, supposedly for their well-being and protection, may be being used as an excuse to favor better holding of matches of the next World Cup in the nearby stadium. This situation is open to criticism, since the supposed improvement in the living conditions of living beings would be used as a pretext and support for sporting events.
It is important to note that the government of Nuevo León should be focused on improving public spaces for the well-being of the community, but not because of an event like the Soccer World Cup that mainly benefits economic powers and the entertainment industry.
It is critical that the change in the structure of the zoo is motivated by support for this sporting event and not by a real concern for the accumulated historical deficit of green areas and public spaces in the Monterrey Metropolitan Area. It is necessary that concrete work be carried out to improve the well-being of the community, and not only actions that aim to improve the image of the city for a football event.
Twitter: @tonyo_hernandez
2023-05-09 11:24:31
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