There are some things you should never do in a zoo!
Going to the zoo is the ultimate adventure to experience wildlife. It’s a fabulous place where you can get up close (but not too close, may I add!) to all the gorgeous animals worldwide.
Whether you take your grandkids with you and are amazed by their reactions to seeing a lion for the first time or you’re an adult enjoying a slow and relaxing walk through the exhibits, there’s something surreal about being in the animal world, even if it’s just for a couple of hours.
But here’s the thing: zoos aren’t only for entertainment. They’re also about education, conservation, and, most importantly, respecting the animals that call it home. Sadly, some visitors forget about that. From feeding the animals to tapping on the glass, there are a couple of things you should NEVER do in a zoo!
Besides stressing out the animals, these bad behaviors can also annoy zookeepers and even put them in danger. And let’s be honest—nobody wants to go viral on TikTok for annoying a cute lemur, do they?
So, in order to make sure that your next zoo visit is fun, educational, respectful, and safe, we’ve put together a short list of things you should never do in a zoo. Let’s take a look:
1. Don’t feed the animals
We all know that zoo animals should never be fed by visitors—they have special dietary requirements, and human food isn’t safe for them anyway. But when we see cute monkeys or majestic peacocks, our love language turns into feeding. It can be tempting to toss them a piece of sandwich or some popcorn, thinking it’s a kind gesture.
However, this “nice” gesture can do more harm than good. It can make animals sick, cause digestive issues, and even worse. And here’s the thing: some animals might even become aggressive if they associate humans with food.
If you want to learn more about their eating habits without putting them in danger, you can watch during the designated feeding times, when zookeepers offer them their proper meals.
2. Don’t tap on the glass
Another thing you should never do in a zoo is tap on the glass. While it might seem fun and easy to draw an animal’s attention, knocking or ganging on the glass of their enclosures is stressful and annoying.
Keep in mind that many animals have stronger senses than humans, so sudden movements and loud noises can make them agitated, anxious, and even aggressive. Instead of disrupting their routine, observe them quietly.
If they’re not doing anything, they might be tired or prefer to relax and enjoy a peaceful moment without being disrupted by strange noises. Respect their space and privacy, and you’ll have a wonderful experience!
…There are many other things you should never do in a zoo, so stay tuned for more!
3. Don’t take selfies
Trust me, I understand how nice it would be to go home with a physical memory of your exotic adventure. While a pic with you holding a lemur would make a killer Instagram post, it’s not the way to go.
Many people lean into an enclosure, turn their backs on a big and strong wild cat, or stick their arms through a fence to take the perfect selfie, but doing so is risky for themselves and the animals. For instance, there have been a few cases where monkeys grabbed visitors’ phones and threw them away, and you surely wouldn’t want that.
Zoos typically have strict rules against selfies or pictures with the animals for a good reason. Not to mention, flash photography can agitate the animals, and invading their space won’t do you any favors.
You can take photos, but make sure you do it from a respectful distance. Besides that, capturing an exotic animal in its natural behavior is safer but also unforgettable.
4. Don’t tease the animals
Continuing with all the things you should never do in a zoo, this time it’s all about teasing the animals. Roaring at a lion or making monkey noises at a chimpanzee might seem fun, but it can be annoying and confusing for the animals. Not to mention, some of them can even see it as a challenge, which can activate their instinct for dominance and result in them starting to act aggressively.
Others, on the other hand, might become anxious or agitated, which in turn can give zookeepers a hard time. Making sudden movements, shouting, teasing, or imitating the animals can disrupt their routines and even cause them to lash out.
Remember that they can be unpredictable, and at the end of the day, they’re living creatures with emotions, not exponents in a theme park. Observing them is a lot more helpful if you want to get their reactions and learn more about their behaviors.
…Have you ever thought about hugging a tiny animal at the zoo? I once thought about petting a meerkat because it seemed nice, but when I saw its tiny yet strong teeth, I decided to pass.
5. Always stay on the path
It might be tempting to stay off those railings, fences, and paths, but they’re there to keep everyone in the zoo safe. Some people think stepping over a tiny fence is harmless and will just give them a better view, but remember—wild animals are unpredictable.
A shortcut you consider safe could be a threat to an animal that doesn’t want company. Interfering with their environment can alter their senses, and that’s never a good thing. Not to mention, trespassing can also put the zoo’s surroundings at risk.
To get the most out of your visit and keep everyone safe, respect the barriers and always follow the paths. It’s better this way!
…If you want to dive deeper into the animal kingdom, here’s a book you won’t want to miss! You could even pick up some fascinating facts while sipping your coffee—how great is that?
6. Don’t throw anything into the enclosures
Another thing you should never do in a zoo is throw items into the enclosures. Tossing a coin or a stick might not seem like a big deal, but it can be dangerous. Animals might be curious and try to eat these foreign items, and they can experience digestive issues, medical emergencies, or even choke as a result.
Even if you think that throwing them a toy will make their days happier, keep in mind that zookeepers provide several activities that are suitable for each species.
In case you drop something by accident, you should never try to get it back yourself—ask a zookeeper instead, because you risk disrupting the animals and potentially causing a disaster.
7. Respect the zookeepers
Zookeepers aren’t there just to clean the enclosures; they make the animals’ lives better and safer. These people are highly trained professionals who understand animal behavior better than anyone and know how to properly care for each species.
If they tell you not to do something, it’s not because they want to ruin your fun, but because they know it will hurt or annoy the animals. Since they’re properly trained for the job, and you have questions, don’t be afraid to ask.
Many zookeepers love to share their knowledge with visitors, so they can tell you the most hilarious facts, behind-the-scenes details, or feeding habits you couldn’t find out about elsewhere. So, instead of being upset that you can’t pet a kangaroo, respect their expertise and allow them to teach you more about the animal kingdom.
What are your thoughts on these things you should never do in a zoo? Have you ever had any negative experiences while visiting the animals? We’d love to know what you think, so leave a comment below and join the conversation!
If you find this article helpful and would love to check out something else from Pet Compilation, here’s a great post for you: 9 Famous Wild Animals That Became Global Superstars
