Zoos Archives

Zoos

Zoos have made great advances since the days of the classic entertainment model, and they are increasingly finding themselves on the front line as we face a climate and biodiversity crisis.

To address this, leading institutions frequently engage in ex-situ and in-situ conservation activities. They work to rehabilitate damaged or degraded habitats, safeguard endangered species, and use their position of authority and trust to build effective educational programmes and campaigns.

As wild animals face unprecedented difficulties, ranging from habitat loss and the impact of climate change to illegal wildlife trafficking, the modern organisation’s position as a leading voice in conservation and education may be more vital than ever.

Numerous professional bodies represent these venues. Two significant organisations are the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).

Some of the best in the US include the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington D.C., which consists of two campuses that together are home to approximately 2,700 animals; San Antonio in Texas, where the Center for Conservation and Research is working on projects with fish, amphibians, imperilled ecosystems and cultures, and many others; and Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, which is the only is the only free, privately managed zoo in the US.

In Europe, some of the leading organisations include Dublin Zoo in Ireland, which is undertaking an ambitious conservation programme to save wildlife in Ireland and across the world; Antwerp Zoo in Belgium, one of the oldest in the world, which, together with its sister attraction, Planckendael, cares for over 7,000 animals; and Royal Burgers’ Zoo in The Netherlands, which features an innovative design based on habitat zones.