James Colley, a comedy writer from Sydney, argues that visiting zoos in other countries is a waste of precious holiday time. He acknowledges the joy of taking his toddler to their local zoo, comparing the excitement of seeing a giraffe to encountering a celebrity. However, he firmly believes that zoos elsewhere offer no unique experience.
No exclusive animals
Colley points out that there are no exclusive animals in foreign zoos. Elephants, giraffes, and other popular species can be seen at home. He quips, “Seen one, you’ve seen them all.” If a zoo had a unique creature like a “grumpt,” it might be worth visiting, but that is not the case.
Filler animals and native species
He notes that every zoo has filler animals—horned and hoofed creatures that are essentially the same with different hairstyles. Seeing native Australian animals like wombats or kangaroos in foreign zoos feels humiliating, as if they are imprisoned. He prefers to avoid other Australians while on holiday, so why see their animal counterparts?
Zoos as a last resort
Colley describes zoos as a last resort for parents during school holidays, after exhausting all other activities. He acknowledges his privilege, as his local Sydney zoo sits on Sydney Harbour with stunning views. “Maybe once you have seen it, no other zoo could possibly compare,” he says.
Colley’s debut novel, The Next Big Thing, is out now.
