Christopher Fisher
Professor Kendra Vanderlip
ENGL 1020 – 008
03 April 2017
The Future of Zoos
With the establishment of zoos, humans have been able to learn an immense amount of information about the other species that share our planet. As the idea of formalizing this institution started to become implemented in 19th century London, many other nations would soon follow after the zoo’s success. Most often through trial and error, early zoos had to adapt to the many challenges which they would face when taking care of these creatures. Zoos and other wildlife parks have been a revolutionary and historical tool for the advancement in human knowledge, however more and more legislation is being written in order to protect the rights and freedoms …show more content…
Many fearless leaders, a few being King Solomon and Alexander the Great have been known to own an assortment of exotic animals (Kisling 14). It has been said that by 4th century BCE, most of the Greek states had zoos some of which Alexander the Great was known to send animals he found on his expeditions to (Kisling 15). The word zoo was first coined fittingly from the Greek word zōon meaning animal and is an abbreviation for the study of animals, zoology (). Stamford Raffles founded the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) in 1826, and this organization would go on to establish the London Zoo two years later in 1828 (Landmarks of ZSL). This is important, because it was known as the world’s first scientific zoo which was intended to house a collection of animals for scientific research. In 1847, the ZSL opened the doors to the public and became known as the first modern zoo (Landmarks of ZSL). Unlike its predecessors, the London Zoo focused on society. The park was located in the center of the city in Regent’s Park and designed interiorly to favor the large London population (Landmarks of ZSL). After the creation of the world’s first public reptile house in 1849 and aquarium in 1853 the London Zoo model became the foundation of zoos around the world (Landmarks of ZSL). In 1860, the Central Park Zoo, located in New York City, was the first public zoo established …show more content…
With the establishment of the AZA and other preventative organizations like SPCA and Born Free Foundation, standards for keeping a collection of animals are a lot stricter than when zoos were created. I noticed that many zoos are losing exhibits and licensure altogether, because the new requirements cannot be met and this is a really progressive step for the animals’ well-being. Even SeaWorld has finally caved to idea that they need to stop breeding orcas and exploiting them for shows (Bomey). A year ago, on March 16th, SeaWorld Entertainment agreed to discontinue their breeding programs and theatrical orca shows (Bomey). Joel Manby, CEO of SeaWorld Entertainment, said on the
Professor Kendra Vanderlip
ENGL 1020 – 008
03 April 2017
The Future of Zoos
With the establishment of zoos, humans have been able to learn an immense amount of information about the other species that share our planet. As the idea of formalizing this institution started to become implemented in 19th century London, many other nations would soon follow after the zoo’s success. Most often through trial and error, early zoos had to adapt to the many challenges which they would face when taking care of these creatures. Zoos and other wildlife parks have been a revolutionary and historical tool for the advancement in human knowledge, however more and more legislation is being written in order to protect the rights and freedoms …show more content…
Many fearless leaders, a few being King Solomon and Alexander the Great have been known to own an assortment of exotic animals (Kisling 14). It has been said that by 4th century BCE, most of the Greek states had zoos some of which Alexander the Great was known to send animals he found on his expeditions to (Kisling 15). The word zoo was first coined fittingly from the Greek word zōon meaning animal and is an abbreviation for the study of animals, zoology (). Stamford Raffles founded the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) in 1826, and this organization would go on to establish the London Zoo two years later in 1828 (Landmarks of ZSL). This is important, because it was known as the world’s first scientific zoo which was intended to house a collection of animals for scientific research. In 1847, the ZSL opened the doors to the public and became known as the first modern zoo (Landmarks of ZSL). Unlike its predecessors, the London Zoo focused on society. The park was located in the center of the city in Regent’s Park and designed interiorly to favor the large London population (Landmarks of ZSL). After the creation of the world’s first public reptile house in 1849 and aquarium in 1853 the London Zoo model became the foundation of zoos around the world (Landmarks of ZSL). In 1860, the Central Park Zoo, located in New York City, was the first public zoo established …show more content…
With the establishment of the AZA and other preventative organizations like SPCA and Born Free Foundation, standards for keeping a collection of animals are a lot stricter than when zoos were created. I noticed that many zoos are losing exhibits and licensure altogether, because the new requirements cannot be met and this is a really progressive step for the animals’ well-being. Even SeaWorld has finally caved to idea that they need to stop breeding orcas and exploiting them for shows (Bomey). A year ago, on March 16th, SeaWorld Entertainment agreed to discontinue their breeding programs and theatrical orca shows (Bomey). Joel Manby, CEO of SeaWorld Entertainment, said on the