Vienna’s zoo has a problem with selfie sticks, and has banned their use in large areas of the zoo. The problem is visitors who poke them into cages to get close-ups of animals or who get too close themselves. The cartoon sign above has been posted in those areas.
The problem involves both adult visitors and children on school trips. While visitor safety is an issue, zoo officials told local media “This is not only the animals’ territory, it’s also their home. They’re not used to the sudden appearance of an unknown object. Some animals are curious and want to investigate it and others are just afraid,”
Among the concerns are animals such as seals that could bite off a phone; as well, some sticks come with carrying looks that could be snagged by animals. The zoo is just the latest venue for selfie-stick bans; many of Vienna’s museums also limit or ban them.
