So maybe one or two of these photos, carefully selected, has found it's way onto Facebook. In my younger, single days, one served as my profile picture for my online dating profile. Other than that, I keep them tucked away, fully aware that context and explanation are everything.
Some keepers are more careful than I am, their zoos and aquariums having stricter behind-the-scenes photo policies than mine do. Many are less so, and post everything. The question is, is that a problem?
The editorial I stumbled upon below seems to think it is, and, since I found it to be an interested read, here it is. I'm not sure how much I agree, but it does offer some food for thought, and will probably make me more careful in deciding what to share on social media. Enjoy!
The Zoo Keepers Part in the Illegal Animal Trade Updated on May 9, 2016
My Family
Stored
away in a chest in another country is another life. Photographs of
family. Great grandparents, grandparents, parents, holidays, children,
friends and pets. Happy memories of people and animals I have loved.
As someone who has spent almost my entire working life in zoos these photographs inevitably include large carnivores, primates and other species I have through necessity hand reared. These were not just animals...these were family! They were sleepless nights of baby bottles, bottom washes and nappy changes. These were labours of love for creatures which will forever be in my memories and my heart. These truly were family. Happy times.
As someone who has spent almost my entire working life in zoos these photographs inevitably include large carnivores, primates and other species I have through necessity hand reared. These were not just animals...these were family! They were sleepless nights of baby bottles, bottom washes and nappy changes. These were labours of love for creatures which will forever be in my memories and my heart. These truly were family. Happy times.
Read the rest of the article here.
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