The story behind animals in captivity

Wednesday was National Dog Day. I enjoyed seeing all the posts on social media of people with their dogs and cute quotes about how wonderful dogs are. I couldn't help but notice the irony in this, for on this very same day I saw that there would be a sea lion show at the Fairgrounds all week.

Why do we celebrate one animal and don't care that another animal is stuck traveling the country to perform? This isn't the only show that the Fairgrounds allows animals to be the entertainment. They have the circus, The Sportsman Expo and of course this event, the North Idaho Fair & Rodeo. In addition to Sea Lion Splash, they also have a shark show. In the wake of Blackfish, people are becoming more aware of how we are using animals for entertainment.

I went down there to check this out. I saw the sea lions in small pools performing. One thing I've learned from my research is that the chlorine in pools wears on the animal's' skin. I spoke with a trainer who said they travel around for 9 months. The sea lions are in the trailer between the three shows they do in a day.

Overall, the staff really try their best to make sure the sea lions are comfortable, well taken care of and in an area that's quiet so they aren't stressed. However, these poor beings still have to travel most of the year. The trailer isn't very large, so I would assume they have cages in there that they sleep in. No one would confirm nor deny that. I can't imagine they let the seals loose in the back of the trailer.

I had emailed them with more questions and I never received a response. I went online and read everything I could find on their sea lions, as well as sea lions in general. They claim they take in injured sea lions that can't be released into the wild due to age or injuries. Yet I never found any evidence to back that up. When I asked in person, they were vague and seemed uncomfortable explaining where each sea lion came from.

According to the Humane Society, sea lions are the easiest animals to rehabilitate into the wild even if they've spent years in captivity. Another issue is that sea lions are very social but in captivity they can't choose who they socialize with. They use two different breeds of sea lions that speak different languages and have different behaviors, which would cause cohabitation issues. Also, in captivity they can't swim away from each other if there is an altercation so they're more prone to injuring each other.

Currently there are two petitions with thousands of signatures to ban sea lions in captivity. They all cite scientific research showing that they're too intelligent to be performing for humans. I think it's safe to say these animals don't belong at a fair. They should be in an aquarium or in the ocean.

I investigated the shark show. I spoke with Evelyn, who runs this organization with her husband. She was excited to give me more information. She knows her stuff! As much as I hate animal captivity, I respect what they're doing.

They receive Nurse Sharks from research centers and small aquariums. Once a shark is in captivity for more than two weeks, they can't go back to the ocean, according to federal law. The only downside is that they tour the country. If anyone has traveled for more than a week you know how exhausting it can be - and how that would likely cause stress to the animals. Unlike Sea Lion Splash, they find homes for their sharks in larger aquariums. They choose Nurse Sharks because they typically lay low in caves or on the ocean floor so they're used to being sedentary. The goal of their show is to educate the public about sharks.

As human beings we need to expand our circle of love for all beings. Idaho is ranked one of the Five Worst States for Animal Cruelty. We can change this; we all deserve better than that, especially our animals.

Ways to create real change: Tell the fairgrounds kindly that you want fewer animal exhibits. Contact your mayor or state representative and tell him your concerns on animal treatment at these events. Research organizations before taking your kids there - make sure it aligns with your views. One quick search will show you how circus animals are actually trained. Lastly, remember you vote with your money. If it's not a money maker for them, they'll quit doing it. Support organizations that deserve it. As you've just read, some do great things and others are questionable. Be the change you wish to see in the world.

Kenna Smoot is a nutritional blogger and published writer. In her free time she loves travel and adventure. You can read more of her work on her blog, MeatMeetsVegan.com