A frustrated mom recently took to a parenting forum seeking advice on how to handle the unexpected display of animal behavior during a trip to the zoo. Titled “Should I complain to the zoo about the monkeys?” this query caught the attention of many parents online.
Mumsnet, a popular UK parenting website, is a treasure trove of relatable and humorous parenting discussions. One mom shared her dilemma after taking her son, whom she affectionately refers to as DS2, to the zoo. She had spent years teaching him about appropriate behavior in public, only to be confronted by some rather racy monkeys. “I can’t believe all my hard work is being undone by these randy primates,” she wrote. “Is it unreasonable to ask the zoo for some sort of warning for visitors?”
For those unfamiliar with parenting acronyms, AIBU stands for “Am I Being Unreasonable?” and DS2 simply means “dear son 2.” This mom expressed her frustration over the male primates engaging in explicit behavior right before her child’s eyes. “Half the male monkeys were rubbing themselves on branches, and one was literally right up against the glass, having a good time,” she laments. It’s a tough situation for any parent to explain.
As if the monkeys weren’t enough, her zoo adventure continued in the reptile house, where she was greeted by a pair of tortoises engaging in a rather loud display of affection. After some digging, it seems she’s not alone in her concerns; many parents have found themselves puzzled by animals behaving as nature intended in a zoo setting.
While some may suggest adding cautionary signs, we argue it might be easier to explain the animal behavior instead of having to justify a sign that reads, “WARNING: THESE ANIMALS MAY ENGAGE IN SEXUAL ACTIVITY.” Perhaps this mom was just looking for a laugh, and if that’s the case, we’re all for it!
This article originally published on Aug. 25, 2016.
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In summary, this mom’s experience at the zoo highlights the challenges parents face when explaining the realities of animal behavior to their children. Instead of shying away from these natural events, perhaps a light-hearted discussion is the best approach.