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"The
Zoo" by Humbert Wolfe
Program
Area
This activity has been designed to be used in the study of basic
poetic conventions and concepts in conjunction with the section
of poems entitled “Animals” in Rhyme and Reason. It
is best used in the Grade 9 Languages program.
Learning
Outcomes
Teaching, learning and evaluation will focus on the student’s
ability to:
- Observe
and describe the actions of zoo animals;
- Record
their observations and feelings in written form;
- Evaluate
the value of keeping animals caged for the purpose of viewing
by humans.
Background
At one time, not long ago, animals were kept in the zoo
for the pure enjoyment of humans who came to look at the creatures
they would not normally see in real life. Now, zoos are maintained
for the preservation of species such as the endangered Panda
Bear. Many animals are not taken from a wild habitat and put
into cages. The animals you see caged in the zoo were likely
bred in a zoo elsewhere in the world. Some zoo animals are,
however, raised in the zoo and then set free. Although we might
feel better knowing this information when we visit the zoo,
we are faced with the question of whether it is morally right
to keep animals in unnatural habitats. This very issue is raised
by Humbert Wolfe in “The Zoo.”
Classroom
Development
-
Take
the class to a zoo. Direct each student to observe a primate
(eg. chimpanzee or orangutan) and one other animal for approximately
5 min each. Students record how well the needs of the animals
are met and the limitations of the animals’ activity
due to being confined to a small area.
-
Back in the classroom, in small groups, students compare their
observations of the animals and discuss the questions on the
activity sheet.
-
From the small group discussion, students compare their own
conclusions about the value of zoos and the ethics of caging
animals.
-
Read the poem, “The Zoo” on page 108 of Rhyme and
Reason. Discuss the poem and ask students whether they agree
or disagree with the poet’s point of view (You may choose
to read and discuss a selection of poems from the “Animals”
section of Rhyme and Reason and ask students to compare their
observations of a particular animal with those of the poet.).
-
Each student should produce a piece of response writing. This
writing may be in the form of a poem, a letter to the zoo,
or an essay.
-
In pairs, students give constructive criticism and suggestions
for improvement of first drafts. Polished work may be completed
for homework.
Timing
Allow as much time as each student needs to observe and record
observations at the zoo. Allow 30 min for sharing observations
in class. Allow 35 min for students to produce a rough draft
and then an additional 30 min for editing and revisions in pairs.
Polishing of writing may be completed for homework.
Resources
Metcalfe, John and Gordon Callahan. Rhyme and Reason. Toronto:
McGraw Hill, 1968.
Evaluation
Items
Students may select one of the following:
-
Compose a poem which reflects your feelings about zoos as
Humbert Wolfe did in his poem, “The Zoo.”
-
Write a letter to a zoo expressing your views about the caging
of animals and the use of animals for enjoyment of humans.
-
Write a 5-paragraph essay which presents a case for or against
the existence of zoos.
-
Geography—Students could be encouraged to compare the
habitat characteristics of an animal’s original geographic
location with the zoo habitat.
-
Science—Students could observe dominant behavioural characteristics
of an animal in the zoo and compare their feelings with the
dominant behavioural characteristics of the animal in its
natural environment.
Student
Question Sheet
Observe
one of the primates, such as the chimpanzee or orangutan, for
approximately 5 min.
a) List the activities that this primate is able to perform.
b) List
the ways in which the animal is limited in activity.
c) List
the needs of animals that are provided for by the zoo.
d) List
any needs of zoo animals which you feel are not met.
e) Observe
the zoo visitors riding on ponies and camels. Should these animals
be used for the enjoyment of zoo visitors?
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