Zoos. We love them or we hate them. I don’t want to make you start regretting childhood memories, but I would love for you to read the following with an open mind and an open heart. Thank you for taking the time <3
Zoos have often been viewed as a family-friendly way to teach children about animals, offering the chance to see wildlife up close. However, most zoos confine animals to enclosures that fail to meet eve just their basic needs, let alone give them an environment to thrive in. The entertainment they provide often comes at a significant cost to the animals’ mental and physical well-being.
The good news? There are so many better ways to help our children connect with the natural world, learn about wildlife, and develop a deep respect for animals—all without supporting zoos.
Here are some compassionate and ethical alternatives that allow us to enjoy the beauty of animals and nature while teaching our children values of kindness and empathy:
1. Visit Nature Preserves and Wildlife Sanctuaries
Nature preserves and sanctuaries offer the chance to see animals thriving in spaces designed to respect their natural behaviors. These are family-friendly alternatives to zoos, and many are accessible for children of all ages.
In Colorado, there is no shortage of beautiful locations to explore:
The Wild Animal Sanctuary (Keenesburg, CO): This renowned 789-acre refuge is home to rescued large carnivores like lions, tigers, and bears. A raised walkway allows visitors to observe the animals with minimal disruption to their natural behaviors.
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge (Commerce City, CO): Perfect for a day out with the family, this refuge offers hiking trails, guided tours, and opportunities to spot bison, bald eagles, mule deer, and prairie dogs.
Butterfly Pavilion (Westminster, CO): A family favorite, this interactive indoor facility features hundreds of free-flying butterflies, as well as exhibits with other small invertebrates like tarantulas and sea stars.
Lookout Mountain Nature Center and Preserve (Golden, CO): This preserve combines scenic hiking trails with an educational center where children can learn about the animals and ecosystems of the area. Keep an eye out for deer, hawks, and other wildlife along the trails.
Bear Creek Lake Park (Lakewood, CO): This park features hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails with the chance to see birds, small mammals, and even foxes. Its variety of habitats makes it an excellent spot for birdwatching with the family.
Cheesman Reservoir and Cheesman Canyon: A peaceful spot for families to walk or hike, this area offers sightings of birds, squirrels, and even the occasional elk or deer.
Hudson Gardens & Event Center (Littleton, CO): Known for its beautiful plant exhibits, the gardens also attract butterflies, bees, and birds, making it a tranquil spot for a family-friendly day.
These spaces prioritize the animals' well-being over entertainment, making them excellent choices for ethical wildlife experiences.
2. Support Wildlife Rescues
Wildlife rescues and sanctuaries do incredible work rehabilitating injured or orphaned animals and giving them a second chance at life. Supporting these organizations is a compassionate way to engage with wildlife and teach children about the importance of protecting animals and nature.
Here are some of my favorite rescues in Colorado:
Northern Colorado Wildlife Center (Fort Collins, CO): Specializes in rescuing and rehabilitating Colorado’s native wildlife. They also provide educational programs about how to coexist with local animals.
Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary (Erie, CO): While focused on farmed animals, this sanctuary gives children and adults alike the chance to meet rescued cows, pigs, chickens, and more—perfect for teaching children that all animals deserve kindness.
Broken Shovels Farm Sanctuary (Henderson, CO): This sanctuary rescues farm animals and allows visitors to interact with the animals in a loving and ethical environment. Their events are great for families with young children.
Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (Longmont, CO): Focused on rescuing and rehabilitating small mammals and birds, this center educates the public about coexisting with wildlife.
These organizations provide real-life examples of how to care for animals responsibly, while fostering respect and compassion. By visiting or supporting them, we not only help the animals but also show our children the importance of advocacy and kindness.
3. Take a Nature Walk or Hike
Nature walks are a beautiful way to explore the outdoors while teaching children to appreciate animals in their natural habitats. Colorado is full of trails and open spaces where families can connect with wildlife, observe ecosystems, and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
Family-Friendly Nature Walks in Colorado
Bear Creek Greenbelt (Lakewood, CO): This peaceful trail is great for spotting birds, deer, and even the occasional fox. The flat, accessible paths make it perfect for families with young children.
Beaver Brook Trail (Lookout Mountain, Golden, CO): A lesser-known gem, this trail offers stunning views and the opportunity to spot wildlife like squirrels, hawks, and deer. While it is much more rugged, the trail provides a rewarding experience for older kids and teens who enjoy exploring.
Crown Hill Park (Wheat Ridge, CO): A tranquil spot with trails around a lake where you can see waterfowl, turtles, and small mammals. It is easy to navigate and great for young children.
Staunton State Park (Pine, CO): Featuring scenic views, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife, this park has trails for all skill levels, from beginner-friendly loops to more adventurous hikes.
South Valley Park (Littleton, CO): With its unique red rock formations and meandering trails, this park provides a chance to see lizards, birds, and small mammals in a stunning natural setting.
Lookout Mountain Nature Center Trails (Golden, CO): Perfect for families, these short and easy trails around the nature center allow kids to explore while learning about local wildlife and ecosystems.
Tips for a Successful Nature Walk
Pack binoculars: Kids will love spotting birds, squirrels, and other animals from a distance.
Bring a nature journal: Encourage children to sketch or write about what they see to create lasting memories.
Stay quiet and patient: Wildlife often reveals itself when we stay still and are observant.
Teach leave-no-trace principles: A great opportunity to show children the importance of respecting nature.
Nature walks are not just about seeing animals; they are about connecting with the environment and fostering a love for the wild spaces that animals call home. They offer a gentle, immersive way for children to learn that animals are part of something much bigger and deserve our respect and protection.
4. Watch Movies and Educational Videos at Home
Movies and documentaries offer an engaging way to teach children (and adults) about the beauty of wildlife and the importance of protecting animals. Instead of visiting zoos, you can gather as a family and watch films that inspire compassion and an appreciation for the natural world.
Here are some family-friendly and thought-provoking options:
Okja (Netflix): A touching story about a girl and her genetically engineered "super pig," highlighting themes of animal exploitation and the bond between humans and animals.
The Elephant Whisperers (Netflix): A heartwarming documentary following a couple in India who care for an orphaned baby elephant.
My Octopus Teacher (Netflix): A visually stunning and emotional look at the friendship between a filmmaker and an octopus.
The Biggest Little Farm (Hulu): This inspiring documentary follows a couple as they build a sustainable farm in harmony with nature and wildlife.
Penguins (Disney+): A delightful and family-friendly look at the lives of penguins in the wild, narrated in a way that’s perfect for children.
Born to Be Wild (HBO Max): A documentary following the stories of orphaned elephants and orangutans as they’re cared for by dedicated rescuers.
March of the Penguins (HBO Max): A classic, narrated by Morgan Freeman, that showcases the incredible journey of emperor penguins.
YouTube Channels
The Dodo: Filled with short, heartwarming videos of animal rescues and rehabilitation stories.
Brave Wilderness: An educational channel where children can learn about animals and their habitats through real-life encounters.
Nature on PBS: High-quality content focusing on wildlife and ecosystems around the world.
These films and videos encourage children to see animals as sentient beings deserving of respect and freedom, all from the comfort of your home
5. Support Ethical, Animal-Free Entertainment
Zoos may appear to be an enjoyable way to introduce children to animals, but the reality behind the scenes is deeply troubling. Many zoos prioritize profit over animal welfare, confining animals to enclosures that are too small or unnatural to meet their physical and psychological needs. This often results in severe stress, depression, and unnatural behaviors such as pacing or self-mutilation.
Even worse, zoos frequently separate animals from their families, trade them between facilities, or even euthanize "surplus" animals deemed no longer profitable or necessary for exhibit rotation.
Instead of normalizing the exploitation of animals, we can show our children ethical ways to appreciate the natural world.
In the Denver metro area, there are plenty of opportunities to explore and connect with nature:
Denver Botanic Gardens: Learn about plant ecosystems, conservation efforts, and pollinators like butterflies and bees in a serene and educational setting.
Hudson Gardens (Littleton, CO): A family-friendly garden with walking trails, a pond, and plenty of opportunities to learn about plant life and local wildlife.
Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge (Commerce City, CO): Take a driving or walking tour to see bison, deer, and birds in their natural habitat while learning about conservation efforts.
Chatfield Farms (Littleton, CO): A beautiful extension of the Denver Botanic Gardens, offering a chance to explore native plants, butterflies, and hands-on agricultural experiences.
Lookout Mountain Nature Center (Golden, CO): Short trails and exhibits teach kids about local wildlife, ecosystems, and conservation in a fun and interactive way.
South Platte Park and Carson Nature Center (Littleton, CO): Featuring trails along the river and educational programs, this park is great for kids to learn about aquatic ecosystems and local wildlife.
These attractions spark curiosity and respect for nature while aligning with values of compassion and empathy, offering a meaningful way to bond with family and inspire a love for the natural world.
The Bigger Picture: Why We Must Rethink Zoos
Teaching children ethical compassion starts with what we as parents expose them to. When we bring children to a zoo, we unintentionally teach them that animals exist for our entertainment, that it is acceptable to confine wild creatures to cages, and that their natural behaviors and habitats are not important. This contradicts the values of empathy and kindness that most of us want to pass on to the next generation.
Zoos often argue that they focus on conservation and education, but these claims do not hold up to scrutiny*. Many zoos only allocate a small percentage of their revenue to conservation programs, and the majority of animals in zoos are not endangered or part of any legitimate breeding programs. Captivity often strips animals of their instincts, meaning they cannot be released into the wild.
Meanwhile, children are left with a skewed understanding of what wildlife really is and how we should be treating our fellow beings.
We can do better. By choosing ethical alternatives like sanctuaries, nature walks, and educational media, we teach children that animals have intrinsic value, not just value as attractions.
Compassion begins when we see animals as individuals deserving of freedom and respect, and we can pass that perspective on to our children by exposing them to experiences that align with those principles.
The next time you are planning a family outing, remember that your choices can help shape how your children see the world—and their place in it.
Choose kindness and advocate for a future where every animal has the chance to live freely and happily.
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