When my daughter started kindergarten, I knew the day would come when I would get an email about an upcoming field trip to the zoo or a petting farm. I definitely felt some trepidation?not wanting to be that mom who causes a scene?but I was ready to take the opportunity to respond. I certainly remember visiting the zoo with my class as a kid, being told it was an educational experience whilst I stifled my discomfort seeing animals in cages. It would have been odd back then to opt out of animal-based field trips due to some unnamed uneasiness. Today though, things are a bit different, and now as a parent I am able to respond to that email with, ?My daughter will not be attending the field trip to the petting farm. Here?s why . . .?
Of course most children love animals. They are drawn to them, especially the adorable baby ones, and they love learning all about the creatures of the world. Even as an adult, who doesn?t love cuddling with furry friends" But in addition to all the fun, the idea behind animal-based field trips is to educate children and to build interest and compassion toward animals. So some may think that by pulling my child out of such experiences I am hindering her chance to learn. But I see it as a chance to teach. That?s because in our family we see animals a little differently, and our family values require us to tread a little lighter. We don?t believe it is right to hold wild animals captive in zoos or aquariums, nor to treat farmed animals as toys t...