A zoo is a place where animals live in captivity and are put on display for people to view. The word “
zoo
” is short for “zoological park.”
Zoos
contain wide varieties of animals that are native to all parts of the Earth.
Though people have kept wild animals for thousands of years, those collections have not always resembled modern
zoos
. The first
zoos
were created as private collections by the wealthy to show their power. These private collections were called menageries.
Wall carvings found in Egypt and Mesopotamia are evidence that rulers and aristocrats created
menageries
as early as 2500 BCE. They left records of expeditions to distant places to bring back exotic animals such as giraffes, elephants, bears, dolphins, and birds. There is evidence that ancient
zoo
owners hired animal handlers to make sure their animals thrived and reproduced.
Zoos
also existed in later civilizations, including China, Greece, and Rome. The Aztec emperor Montezuma II, in what is today Mexico, maintained one of the earliest animal collections in the Western Hemisphere. It was destroyed by Hernan Cortes during the Spanish conquest in 1520.
Modern Zoos
The model of the modern, public
zoo
became popular in 18th century, during the Age of Enlightenment. The
Age of Enlightenment
was a period in European history when science, reason, and logic were promoted as ideals of society and government. The scientific focus of the
Age of Enlightenment
extended to zoology.
During this time, people started wanting to study animals for scientific
reasons
. Scientists wanted to research animal behavior and anatomy. To do this, scientists and
zookeepers
had to keep animals in places that were close to, or
resembled
, the animals’ natural habitats.
The first modern
zoo
, built in 1793, opened in Paris, France. The
menageries
of French aristrocrats, including the king and queen, were taken by leaders of the French Revolution and relocated to the Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes. The facility is still a busy and popular
zoo
in downtown Paris.
Early
zoos
like the Menagerie du Jardin des Plantes were more like museums of living animals than natural
habitats
. Animals were kept in small display areas, with as many species as space would allow.
Today,
zoos
are meant to entertain and educate the
public
but have a strong emphasis on scientific
research
and species conservation. There is a trend toward giving animals more space and recreating natural
habitats
.
Zoos
are usually regulated and inspected by the
government
.
Types of Zoos
Urban and Suburban Zoos
Urban
zoos
, located in large cities, still
resemble
the smaller
zoos
that were popular 200 years ago. Often, these
zoos
sit in the middle of cities, making expansion difficult. There is little room for
urban
zoos
to grow, and many of the
zoo
’s buildings are historic landmarks that cannot be
destroyed
or redesigned.
In many
urban
zoos
, animals are kept in relatively small enclosures. Some animal activists argue that keeping animals in
urban
settings is cruel because of cramped conditions, noise, and pollution.
Urban
zoos
are common in Europe, while many
zoos
in the United States developed as sprawling parks in
suburbs
outside cities. These open-range
zoos
give animals more territory to roam and provide more natural
habitats
. This popular technique of building realistic
habitats
is called landscape immersion.
The San Diego Zoo, in southern California, is the largest
zoo
in the United States. It is a
sub
urban
zoo
that houses more than 4,000 animals (800 different species) in its 0.4 square kilometers (100 acres).
Landscape immersion
divides animals into their natural
habitats
, such as the tundra (with reindeer and polar bears) or bamboo forest (featuring pandas.) The
San Diego
Zoo
also includes a wild animal park, which is even more expansive (almost 8 square kilometers or 2,000 acres.)
Safari Parks
Larger than
urban
and open-range
zoos
, safari parks
are areas where tourists can drive their own cars to see non-native wildlife living in large, enclosed areas. These attractions allow the animals more space than the small
enclosures
of traditional
zoos
.
Fuji
Safari
Park
, in Susono, Japan, offers a traditional
zoo
as well as a drive-through
safari
park
. Visitors can take their own cars or one of the park’s buses. Fuji
Safari
Park
offers night tours, so visitors can see nocturnal animals, or animals that are active at night. At the park, visitors can also feed some animals, such as lions, from bus windows. Not all parks encourage or even allow visitors to feed animals.
Safari
parks
, especially in Europe, are often part of larger theme parks or resorts. They include golf courses and fairground attractions, such as games and rides.
Game Reserves
Game reserves
are large swaths of land whose ecosystems and native species are protected. The protections allow animals to live and
reproduce
at natural rates. Animals are allowed to
roam
free.
In the 1800s, a trip to hunt “big game” (large animals such as elephants or lions) was called a
safari
. While some
game reserves
allow traditional
hunting
safaris
today, others limit visitors to a “photo
safari
,” where visitors can shoot photographs, not animals.
Animals in all
game reserves
are protected from illegal
hunting
, which is a threat to many endangered species. Legal
hunts
are regulated by the
government
.
Hunters
must purchase licenses and are strictly limited to the type and number of animals they can
hunt
. Poachers, or
hunters
without licenses, kill animals for valuable body parts. Elephants, for example, are killed by
poachers
for their ivory tusks.
There are
game reserves
in Asia, the Americas, and Australia. However, most
game reserves
are in Africa. Millions of visitors flock to sites across Africa to see the same animals that captivated audiences thousands of years ago. The biggest attractions are Africa’s “Big Five” species—lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants, and water buffalo. The
Big Five
are not Africa’s largest species (although the elephant is): They are the most difficult to find and, when legal, to
hunt
.
Only recently has a single
zoo
, Gondwana Game Reserve in South Africa, offered all
Big Five
animals in one place. Gondwana sits on 10,000 hectares (24,710 acres) near the center of South Africa’s southern coast. Like many large
game reserves
, Gondwana has diverse
ecosystems
that occur naturally and has no need for
landscape immersion
. In Gondwana, grasslands coexist with shrubland called fynbos. Visitors to Gondwana, like many
game reserves
, can stay in hotels right in the park.
Petting zoos
Petting
zoos
feature domesticated animals that are gentle enough for children to pet and feed. Sheep, goats, donkeys, and rabbits are common
petting
zoo
animals.
These types of
zoos
are found at parks and inside of larger
zoos
. Sometimes mobile
petting
zoos
travel with fairs or carnivals from city to city.
Specialization
Most
zoos
have specialized
enclosures
and
habitats
for specific animals.
Zoos
in cold climates, such as Novosibirsk, Russia, must recreate warm
ecosystems
for animals like lemurs.
Lemurs
are a type of primate native to the island of Madagascar, off Africa’s east
coast
. The summer temperatures of both Siberia and Madagascar are about the same—around 21 degrees Celsius (70 degrees Fahrenheit).
However, Madagascar receives about 200 to 250 millimeters (8 to 10 inches) of rain each summer, making it a humid jungle environment. Novosibirsk gets just 60 to 65 millimeters (2 to 3 inches) of
rain
and snow. The difference in winter
temperatures
is even more drastic: Madagascar is about 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit).
Lemurs
’ fur can keep them warm at this
temperature
. Winter in Novosibirsk is -10 degrees Celsius (13 degrees Fahrenheit). The Novosibirsk
Zoo
has two species of
lemur
with a
specialized
heated
enclosure
with high
humidity
.
Some
zoos
are dedicated entirely to certain species. Aquariums are types of
zoos
that exclusively house aquatic animals. The Sydney
Aquarium
in Australia has exhibits of all of Australia’s major water systems and is home to more than 650 native Australian species.
Aviaries and bird parks are another type of
specialized
zoo
. The Jurong Bird Park in Singapore has more than 8,000 birds of 600 species from around the world. Jurong has more than 1,000 flamingoes in an African wetlands
exhibit
that features a daily simulated thunderstorm.
Conservation
The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the international organization for
zoos
, is concerned with the health of animals in
zoos
. The focus of environmental efforts takes the form of
research
, captive breeding of rare animals, and
conservation
.
Researchers
at
zoos
can study animals up-close. They can observe
behavior
such as mating and nutrition choices. Biologists and veterinarians are also available to treat sick or injured animals.
Captive breeding
of
endangered species
makes
zoos
valuable places for animal survival. Animals such as the black soft-shelled turtle, native to India and Bangladesh, are extinct in the wild. But they survive in several
zoos
around the world, with their health looked after by
biologists
.
The goal of many
captive breeding
programs at
zoos
is the re-introduction of animals into the wild. The California condor, a very large bird native to the west
coast
of the United States, has been re-introduced to its native
habitat
after breeding in
zoos
and
wildlife
parks. There are several breeding pairs of
California condors
in the wild today.
Critics of
captive breeding
programs say that releasing a few animals into the wild does little to help the species population. Animals are extinct in the wild
largely due to loss of
habitat
. The re-introduction of animals, especially large mammals that require vast territory for survival, does nothing to recover lost
habitat
. People continue to develop land for homes and businesses.
Zoos
often have
conservation
projects in the native
habitats
of the animals they keep in captivity. For instance, the
World Association of
Zoos
and
Aquariums
established a partnership with people in rural Papua New Guinea to save tree kangaroos. These rare species are threatened by loss of
habitat
and the growing population of Papua New Guinea: Villagers
hunt
the
tree kangaroo
for meat. A
zoo
program introduced a rabbit-farming program to address the
nutritional
needs of the villagers.
Zoos
also set up
conservation
sites where the
hunting
of
tree kangaroos
was outlawed.
While
zoos
have put more importance on
conservation
and humane animal treatment in recent decades, some critics say it is cruel to keep animals in captivity. Critics argue that living in captivity takes away wild animals’ natural
behavior
and instincts. Supporters of
zoos
say they play an important role in protecting
endangered species
.
Fast Fact
Modern Menageries
People still enjoy collecting animals to display in their private homes. The American entertainer Michael Jackson, for instance, had a menagerie that included tigers, giraffes, parrots, and, of course, his pet chimpanzee, Bubbles.
The Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar kept an enormous private zoo that included elephants, buffalo, and camels. Some of Escobar's hippopotamuses, native to Africa, escaped into the Colombian jungle. After Escobar's death, the rest of the animals were sold or donated to zoos around the world.
Fast Fact
City of Brotherly Animals
The first zoo in the United States opened in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1874. The Philadelphia Zoo remains one of the most important zoos and facilities for breeding rare and endangered animals.
Fast Fact
Zoo-Literacy
Many books of fiction, nonfiction, and historical fiction concern zoos.
Life of Pi is a novel by Canadian author Yann Martel. The father of the main character, Pi, is a zookeeper at the Pondicherry Zoo in India. When traveling across the Pacific Ocean, from India to Toronto, Canada, the boat carrying Pi, his family, and all the animals of the zoo sinks. The only survivors, alone on a lifeboat in the middle of the ocean, are Pi and the zoo's Bengal tiger, whose name is Richard Parker.
Faithful Elephants: A True Story of Animals, People, and War is a nonfiction book written by Yukio Tsuchiya and illustrated by Ted Levin. The book tells the story of three elephants of the Uneo Zoo in Tokyo, Japan, in the time leading up to World War II.
Pride of Baghdad is a graphic novel written by Brian K. Vaughn and illustrated by Niko Henrichon. The factual story, of lions that escaped from the Baghdad Zoo as the war in Iraq began, is told from the lions' point of view.
FAQs
Are zoos ethical National Geographic? ›
While zoos have put more importance on conservation and humane animal treatment in recent decades, some critics say it is cruel to keep animals in captivity. Critics argue that living in captivity takes away wild animals' natural behavior and instincts.
What was the first zoo in the world? ›Vienna's Tiergarten Schönbrunn is the oldest zoo in the world. It began as a royal menagerie in 1752, symbolic of imperial Austrian extravagance, and of Emperor Franz I's keen interest in the natural world.
Do zoos protect animals or exploit them? ›Zoos engage in animal exploitation by profiting from the visitor attention and conservation grants they garner while providing the captive animals with a poor quality of life.
How many zoos are there in the world? ›There are, according to the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, over 10,000 zoos around the world, so while travelling, the opportunities to visit one are innumerable.
What is the most ethical zoo in America? ›The Denver Zoo is an amazing place to look at exotic animals from around the world. However, it's also a great place to eat food, spend time with family, and learn about how these animals are cared for. The Denver Zoo is one of the most ethical zoos in the nation and one of the most popular.
What is the controversy with zoos? ›MANY PEOPLE BELIEVE that depriv ing wild animals of their natural freedom is cruel. They see zoos as prisons where animal suffer from stress, frustration and boredom. Other people argue, however, that wild animals are not free, ev en in their natural env ironment.
What is America's oldest zoo? ›Philadelphia Zoo, America's first zoo, is renowned for innovation in animal care and unwavering commitment to wildlife. A zoo of firsts, Philadelphia Zoo has been a leader since opening its historic gates on July 1, 1874.
How old is the oldest zoo? ›Schönbrunn Zoo (German: Tiergarten Schönbrunn; also simply called Vienna Zoo) is a 17-hectare (42-acre) zoo in the city of Vienna, Austria. Established in 1752, it is the world's oldest zoo still in operation.
Why is a zoo called a zoo? ›The word "zoo," short for "zoological garden," phonically pleasant and redolent of the images and sounds of a collection of animals, was bound to adopt a second meaning as a place of "confusion or disorder." The roots of the word "zoo" are in the ancient Greek word zoion, meaning "living being."
What are 3 reasons animals should be kept in zoos? ›There are three justifications for keeping animals in captivity; these are conservation, breeding and education. Zoos within WAZA receive around 600 million visitors every year, providing a great opportunity to educate the general public about wildlife and environmental issues.
Do zoos do more harm than good? ›
That captivity can be REALLY bad for both physical AND psychological health. And while zoos have been really helpful is saving endangered animals, it doesn't work out for certain species. For example, most large carnivores like lions and tigers that are bred in captivity die when released into the wild.
Why animals should be free from zoos? ›It has been argued that captive breeding isn't always effective, zoos do not provide natural habitats, and that zoos put unnecessary stress on animals. Some studies have shown that reintroduced animals have high mortality rates because they are poorly adapted and lack the skills needed to survive in the wild.
What is America's number one zoo? ›1: San Diego Zoo, San Diego, California
San Diego Zoo is considered to be the top zoo in North America because it is one of the few zoos in the world that housed and bred giant pandas.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is located in Liberty Township, Ohio, which is north of Columbus. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is known as the largest zoo in the United States for good reason: it covers a massive area of 582 acres.
Why is it not cruel to keep animals in zoos? ›By bringing people and animals together, zoos educate the public and foster an appreciation of the other species. Zoos save endangered species by bringing them into a safe environment, where they are protected from poachers, habitat loss, starvation, and predators.
What is the coolest zoo in the US? ›Henry Doorly Zoo
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is a zoo in Omaha, Nebraska, proclaimed by TripAdvisor as the "world's best zoo." The zoo is renowned for its work in animal research and conservation.
Ethical zoos are those that prioritize animal welfare, education, and conservation efforts above profits. They are run by non-profits or the government (at least in the United States, this might not apply to other countries) and have AZA accreditation.
Are zoos ethical or unethical? ›Certified zoos and aquariums are ethical institutions that enrich and ultimately protect the lives of animals, both in human care and in the wild. And today, the need for intensive conservation campaigns is more urgent than ever before.
Where is the smallest zoo in the United States? ›...
Charles Paddock Zoo.
| Charles Paddock Zoo logo | |
|---|---|
| Meerkats at the zoo | |
| Memberships | AZA |
| Website | www.charlespaddockzoo.org |
Opened in 1899, the Bronx Zoo in New York City is the biggest metropolitan zoo in the United States, comprising 265 acres (107 ha) of park lands and naturalistic habitats. The zoo is home to more than 4,000 animals of 650 species, many of which are endangered.
When was the last human zoo? ›
1945-1958. The exoticism that gave 'human zoos' their appeal would disappear with the Second World War. It would no longer be possible to hold such racist events in the wake of Nazi war crimes, the presence of colonial troops in the war, and increasingly vocal anticolonial sentiment.
What was the first animal in a zoo? ›The oldest known zoological collection was revealed during excavations at Hierakonpolis, Egypt in 2009, of a ca. 3500 BCE menagerie. The exotic animals included hippopotami, hartebeest, elephants, baboons and wildcats.
Do animals live longer in zoos? ›Zoos are often the best hope or even last hope for the survival of a species, especially if they are threatened or endangered. Recently, a study conducted by University of Lyon and University of Zurich researchers found that 80% of the mammals studied lived longer in a zoological setting than their wild counterparts.
Why did zoo get Cancelled? ›The series premiered on June 30, 2015, on CBS. On October 2, 2015, Zoo was renewed by CBS for a second season, which premiered on June 28, 2016. On August 10, 2016, CBS renewed the series for a third season, which premiered on June 29, 2017. There will not be a season 4 as it was cancelled due to low ratings.
What are the 4 main functions of a zoo? ›There are four main roles of zoos today. They are: conservation, research, education and recreation. breeding animals in captivity so they don't become extinct. Zoos also work out in the wild conserving animals in their natural habitats.
Are animals happy in zoos? ›MYTH 4: Animals in Zoos are happy. Animals in captivity across the globe have been documented displaying signs of anxiety and depression. In fact, psychological distress in zoo animals is so common that it has its own name: Zoochosis.
Do zoos help animals? ›Zoos engage in research, preserve biodiversity (genetic and species) that may be threatened or at times even extinct in the wild, and they provide much needed funding for research and conservation projects across the world.
What are 10 good things about zoos? ›- Zoos and Aquariums Protect Endangered Species. AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums help reintroduce animals into the wild. ...
- Repairing Ecosystems. ...
- Rehabilitation. ...
- Ecology. ...
- Biodiversity.
They do this by providing conservation education programs, spreading awareness for wildlife protection, and by maintaining carefully managed breeding programs (called Species Survival Plans). For many people, a zoo or aquarium is the closest contact they will have with some of the world's incredibly diverse wildlife.
Why zoos are good for education? ›Zoos offer opportunities to educate visitors about habitat conservation through programs and activities, and the way individual habitats and zoos are being designed. Education about wildlife and habitat conservation is important, and must address scientific, aesthetic, and ecological values to be effective.
Should zoos still exist? ›
We should still have zoos for a few reasons. Zoos provide animals with food and a habitat that is made to resemble their natural habitat. Zoos also breed animals to increase their population. And most zoos have educational programs that help children learn about different animals and conservation efforts.
How many species are saved by zoos? ›Six Species Saved From Extinction by Zoos
As of 2017, 1,000 animals had been restored to the wild, while thousands more were living in zoo environments. Przewalski's Horse: The only truly wild species left in the world, Przewalski's Horse is native to the grasslands of Central Asia.
The largest zoo in the United States is Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio, measuring 406.30 acres for the zoo alone and 580 acres in total. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has more than 7,000 animals and over 800 species of animals living within its borders.
Why is the Columbus Zoo shutting down? ›The Columbus Zoo lost its accreditation in October because the zoo "failed to uphold its standards," according to the AZA.
What is the 2 biggest zoo in the world? ›| Rank | Zoo Name | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Wilds Safari Park | Cumberland, Ohio |
| 2 | Sri Venkateswara Zoological Park | India |
| 3 | North Carolina Zoo | Asheboro, North Carolina |
| 4 | San Diego Zoo Safari | San Diego, California |
2. San Diego Zoo (San Diego, California)
Which president owned a zoo? ›Calvin Coolidge (30th President, 1923-1929) had a small zoo at the White House, which included a bear cub, two lion cubs, a wallaby, an antelope, pekin ducks, and Billy the pygmy hippopotamus. He also received a raccoon as a gift to be served as part of Thanksgiving dinner.
What is the number 1 rated zoo in the world? ›San Diego Zoo — San Diego, California
The San Diego Zoo has long been considered one of the best zoos in the world. The zoo, which opened its doors in 1916, stretches across 100 acres and is home to more than 12,000 rare and endangered animals.
CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden was just named the best zoo in the U.S. The Queen City's zoo earned the No. 1 spot in the Best Zoo category of USA Today's 2022 10Best Readers' Choice poll, according to our news partners at WCPO-TV in Cincinnati.
Are zoos ethically correct? ›While zoo advocates and conservationists argue that zoos save endangered species and educate the public, many animal rights activists believe the cost of confining animals outweighs the benefits, and that the violation of the rights of individual animals—even in efforts to fend off extinction—cannot be justified.
Is National Geographic environmentally friendly? ›
Reuse, Recycling, and Composting
National Geographic facilities manage assets in a manner consistent with best practices, all local, state and federal regulations and the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) requirements.
Certified zoos and aquariums are ethical institutions that enrich and ultimately protect the lives of animals, both in human care and in the wild. And today, the need for intensive conservation campaigns is more urgent than ever before.
Are any zoos ethical? ›Ethical zoos are those that prioritize animal welfare, education, and conservation efforts above profits. They are run by non-profits or the government (at least in the United States, this might not apply to other countries) and have AZA accreditation.
What are 3 reasons why zoos are good? ›- Zoos and Aquariums Protect Endangered Species. AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums help reintroduce animals into the wild. ...
- Repairing Ecosystems. ...
- Rehabilitation. ...
- Ecology. ...
- Biodiversity.
Humans do not have the right to capture animals, tear them from their families and jail them, even if the animal is endangered. Animals are abused, not given enough space and exercise, and they suffer from stress and depression. Many die prematurely because of bad diet, insufficient exercise and poor living conditions.
Is National Geographic owned by China? ›National Geographic Partners, LLC is a joint venture between The Walt Disney Company (which owns 73% of shares) and the namesake non-profit scientific organization National Geographic Society (which owns 27%).
What is the least eco-friendly state? ›- West Virginia.
- Louisiana.
- Mississippi.
- Alabama.
- North Dakota.
- Kentucky.
- Wyoming.
Ask or enter a search term here. The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world.
Are zoos helpful or harmful? ›That captivity can be REALLY bad for both physical AND psychological health. And while zoos have been really helpful is saving endangered animals, it doesn't work out for certain species. For example, most large carnivores like lions and tigers that are bred in captivity die when released into the wild.
Why we should not shut down zoos? ›It will encourage children to preserve wildlife and nature rather than destroy it. After all, seeing cartoons and pictures of animals in books is far different than close-up, genuine experience. And not everyone has the opportunity to see them in their fully natural habitat, which may be overseas or far away.
Do we really need zoos? ›
Zoos are necessary because they unite and educate the community, providing an understanding of the interdependence of animals and their habitats, and conduct conservation programs of animals in the wild, including breeding programs to reintroduce extinct and endangered species back into their natural environment.