Exploring Zootopia: Why Mammals Dont Eat Birds, Eggs, or Fish

Understanding Zootopia: Dietary Choices and Narrative Purposes

In the animated movie Zootopia, the choice of mammals not eating meat from birds, their eggs, or fish is a narrative decision that emphasizes important themes such as herbivory versus carnivory and the social dynamics among different species.

Cultural Norms in Zootopia

The film creates a world where herbivorous mammals primarily consume plants and insects, reflecting a societal structure that promotes peace and coexistence among species. This dietary choice helps to avoid conflict and reinforces the film's message about overcoming stereotypes and prejudices.

By choosing to eat plant-based foods, the characters like Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde highlight their differences and societal expectations. This distinction is central to the plot and underscores the complexity of interspecies relationships.

Humor and World-Building

The idea that mammals can eat bugs but not other animals adds a humorous element to the film and contributes to its unique world-building. It establishes a whimsical yet relatable setting where animals behave in ways that reflect human societal norms.

Unsolved Mysteries: Fish in Zootopia

Despite the film's focus on herbivorous animals, many fans have pondered the existence of fish and their consumption by predators in the Zootopia universe. The opening scenes of Judy Hopps on the train from Bunnyburrow to Zootopia offer a glimpse into the city's diverse marketplaces and establishments, including a Fishtown Market and a Blubber Chef restaurant.

While the film doesn't explicitly mention the consumption of fish, many fans have theorized that predators in Zootopia do indeed eat fish. Among the head-canon theories, one popular idea is that the Blubber Chef restaurant could be using a plant-based substitute for blubber, derived from ingredients like coconut or palm oil mixed with fish oil. This theory avoids the need to explicitly kill fellow mammals for their fat.

There are a few reasons why the producers might not have included fish in the film. First, they wanted to keep their options open for future storylines. By not explicitly mentioning other food sources, they could leave the possibility open that certain predators might not eat meat, creating a wider range of story possibilities for a potential sequel. Secondly, explicitly mentioning the consumption of fish might undermine the film's message about harmony and the avoidance of violent instincts. This could turn some viewers against the predators, which was a significant point of the movie.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Zootopia emphasizes a world of herbivorous mammals, the existence of fish and their consumption remain an intriguing mystery. The dietary choices in the film serve to enhance its themes of diversity, acceptance, and the complexity of interspecies relationships, leaving much to the imagination of its audience.