noun
zoo hypothesis
A proposed solution to the Fermi paradox suggesting that extraterrestrial civilizations intentionally avoid contact with humanity, observing us like animals in a zoo.
動物園仮説は、地球外生命体が意図的に人類との接触を避けているという考え方だ。
The zoo hypothesis is the idea that extraterrestrial life intentionally avoids contact with humanity.
The Fermi paradox is the broader question of why we haven't found evidence of aliens; the zoo hypothesis is one possible answer.
Compound of 動物園 (zoo) + 仮説 (hypothesis), a calque of the English term 'zoo hypothesis'.