This was an email I wrote regarding my first visit to the zoo. I just couldn't stand the teasing of animals there...

Sir,

Today (Sunday, 28th Nov 2010), I visited the zoo and was impressed with the cleanliness and the maintenance despite the huge size of the zoo. But what hurt me the most was that majority of the visitors do not bother a bit also about the animals. For them, its just like visiting some show.

I am an animal lover, and I really do not like to see animals in cages. But what hurts me the most is that so many people tease the animals and try to get it excited to satisfy their selfish fun. Today I told several people not to shout at the animals or feed them.
There were some people trying to feed popcorn to some white peafowl. I told them not to do it. They didnt listen. I went up and told the guard sitting nearby, and when he went up to them, I think they listened.
There were adults and children trying to throw stones at crocodiles to see them move. That was pathetic. Children trying to boo at animals can be understood because they are young and have not been taught to love the animals. But what can be done if the adults do it? Aren't the children learning from them? I told these people too, but they didn't listen.
The wolves in the cages looked so tired and were sleeping. There were a bunch of guys trying to clap loudly and get them to move.
The worst case came up in the case of the lonely tiger. Being our National Animal, doesn't it deserve some respect? Already the species is so endangered and are dying in the wild. I was wondering why it has to be caught and kept in display if people are only trying to scream and shout at it. Better die free than be ill-treated under captivity. Today so many people gathered and really tested its patience. There were some middle aged men shouting and waving at it, and not a single one paid heed to my request to leave the animal alone. It finally lost its cool and made a big angry dash towards the spectators. There was a furry movement and a huge splash as it jumped at the water moat. I felt really bad when I saw it retreating back from the water, helpless. When animals attack people in zoos, they are treated as bad natured. But seldom does anyone bother to ask how these animals are treated by the visitors.
I understand we cannot teach basic behavior etiquettes to the public. But isn't it possible to do something to reduce these 'malpractices'?
I saw just one main sign board which mentioned about the law against teasing animals. I believe there MUST be a signboard at several more places. It might take away the beauty of the place, but it is definitely required. If possible, place a signboard at every major enclosure so that atleast 1 out of 100 people bother to read and take it seriously.
Instruct the guards/zoo-keepers/security to be more vigilant and responsible towards the animals. It would be a very effective idea to station more personnel during the peak hours at the places where the teasing is more common. People should be reprimanded strictly for any such behavior.
Levying fines against teasing/throwing objects etc need to be considered.
Today was my first visit to this place; and I understand these things are occurring on a daily basis. Its high time that these animals are given some justice.

I kindly request you to take stern actions to provide respite to these beautiful creatures against the unruly behaviour of the public.

Yours sincerely,
Ajith