What a Caged Lion Can Teach You About Freedom
Another way to look at the king of beasts
Lions are among the most popular zoo exhibits. As a child, I loved going to the zoo. I wanted to see these enormous creatures lounging in the sun. And sometimes I was lucky enough to hear one roar. It was exciting. They’re called the king of beasts for a reason.
Visiting a zoo’s lion enclosure is exciting for children and adults. But there are downsides for the lions.
Captive lions get free food, but they can’t hunt
In the wild, lions hunt for their food. They prey on zebras, wildebeest, and buffalo. They roam wide areas for their food, and they kill when they’re hungry. But captive lions don’t hunt. Instead, they’re given a daily ration of beef.
Caged lions get free healthcare, but they can’t care for themselves
Wild lions live in a pride where they support one another. One benefit of their socialization is they heal faster than animals who live alone. If a lion gets injured, the other lions will provide protection and support while it heals. But caged lions don’t have a pride. They’re housed in pairs, and they don’t have the support of fellow lions. If they get sick or injured, humans provide…
