On Super Bowl Sunday, the Indianapolis Zoo welcomed a baby white rhino Speculation was rampant that the calf, born to female Zenzele, would have a Super Bowl-themed name (Travis? Taylor?). I know some folks really hate these names and gimmicks that tie zoos to pop culture, such as movies (remember the "Jurassic World" pose trend)? Others find it to be a way to help insert zoos into public conversations, sort of a "hey, just reminding you, we're here... pay attention (and money) to us."
To be honest, as long as it's done in a way that in no way compromises the dignity of the animals or contradicts conservation messaging, I see little harm in it. Of course, people have different definitions of what that means. To some folks, posing a sea lion like the handsome fellow below would cross that line of cheapening the animal, too reminiscent of circus tricks, like bears riding bicycles or elephants doing ballet.
To others, it's just letting the animals have fun, and have some fun along with them.
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