As parents, we want our children to have every amazing opportunity in the world, from education to entertainment. When creepy-crawlies or man-eating animals are involved, however, we’ll admit to being a little reluctant.
Did you know that there is a zoo in Germany where your child can swim with crocodiles and alligators, without barriers or protection? Sound like your idea of a nightmare? Yeah, us too!
The Crocodile Zoo in Friedberg, Hesse, has made headlines after a court banned it from allowing children to come into such close proximity with the reptiles.
The whole idea behind the zoo was to bring crocs and alligators closer to humans, and to show that the creatures are not the ‘monsters’ they have been portrayed as.
As part of The Crocodile Zoo experience, visitors can get up close and personal with the animals for a photo, and can also touch them and swim with them – with no protection or barriers. Each swimming session is, however, overseen by a trained supervisor.
There is even a package catered to birthday parties, where children could enjoy these photo and swimming opps.
As you can imagine, conservationists in the local area were highly concerned over the zoo’s activities, and decided to take legal action.
In August, members of the regional nature conservation authority went to the courts to petition that only people over the age of 18, who have been informed of the risks, can come into contact with the reptiles without a barrier. This rules children out of the mix.
While staff and management at the zoo were against the petition, insisting that there has never been trouble or tragedy with the reptiles, a local court passed the petition.
The Zoo did appeal the decision, but it was rejected last week. It is understood that management are still in talks with a legal team in an effort to reverse the decision.
For now, however, children will not be partaking in any swimming, feeding or selfie-taking sessions with the reptiles.
What are your thoughts? Let us know!
