The long, spotted neck of a giraffe gracefully swooped down to the biscuit I nervously held in the air. I have never felt more humbled to stand before such a grandiose animal, nor more present in and aware of the fascinations of nature. Historically, zoos have come a long way from entertainment facilities to conservations education centers designed to inspire its audiences. Yet, they have always been controversial even until this day. According to architect and zoo director David Hancocks, author of A Different Nature: The Paradoxical World of Zoos and Their Uncertain Future, zoos have served as an ironic dichotomy of a “humans hold for Nature while simultaneously seeking to dominate it and smother its very wilderness (Hancocks, 6).”
However, …show more content…
Although there is already a Maryland Wilderness exhibit, the first potential exhibit is B’more Lil’ Critters, which will highlight the endangered insects specifically in Baltimore. Drawing the ideas of realistic habitats, it is easier to provide a truly representative environment for insects, and are generally lower maintenance than mammals. Typically, insects underappreciated role in the ecosystem; yet, they can be equally beautiful and awe-inspiring as mammals, which the Maryland Zoo can take great advantage of as an educational tool. Since the Maryland Zoo is based in Baltimore, a Baltimore insect exhibit will also whole-heartedly celebrate the notion of authenticity, and will be easier for the zoo to find and research about where the animals come from. Details, such as soil, geology, and biodiversity, should be heavily contemplated. The Maryland Zoo of Baltimore should implement Edward Bean’s, director of the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, idea to have rockwork inspected by geologists (Hancocks, 77). The insect exhibit should showcase the complex fauna and flora of Baltimore’s indigenous ecology. Perhaps, one day, near extinct species can also even be rehabilitated back into its natural habitat through healthy captive
However, …show more content…
Although there is already a Maryland Wilderness exhibit, the first potential exhibit is B’more Lil’ Critters, which will highlight the endangered insects specifically in Baltimore. Drawing the ideas of realistic habitats, it is easier to provide a truly representative environment for insects, and are generally lower maintenance than mammals. Typically, insects underappreciated role in the ecosystem; yet, they can be equally beautiful and awe-inspiring as mammals, which the Maryland Zoo can take great advantage of as an educational tool. Since the Maryland Zoo is based in Baltimore, a Baltimore insect exhibit will also whole-heartedly celebrate the notion of authenticity, and will be easier for the zoo to find and research about where the animals come from. Details, such as soil, geology, and biodiversity, should be heavily contemplated. The Maryland Zoo of Baltimore should implement Edward Bean’s, director of the Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, idea to have rockwork inspected by geologists (Hancocks, 77). The insect exhibit should showcase the complex fauna and flora of Baltimore’s indigenous ecology. Perhaps, one day, near extinct species can also even be rehabilitated back into its natural habitat through healthy captive