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2 Functions of Zoos

The document discusses the main functions of modern zoos which are recreation, animal breeding to aid endangered species survival, and education. Zoos educate visitors through formal programs, informal displays and signs, and conservation awareness campaigns. Zoos also facilitate scientific research on species physiology, reproduction, and health in captivity as well as studies of wildlife populations, diseases, behaviors and evolution.

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Alicia August
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171 views

2 Functions of Zoos

The document discusses the main functions of modern zoos which are recreation, animal breeding to aid endangered species survival, and education. Zoos educate visitors through formal programs, informal displays and signs, and conservation awareness campaigns. Zoos also facilitate scientific research on species physiology, reproduction, and health in captivity as well as studies of wildlife populations, diseases, behaviors and evolution.

Uploaded by

Alicia August
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Recreation

Recreation is one of the main functions of a modern zoo. Recreation is defined as an activity

done for one’s enjoyment when not at work (merriam-Webster.com, n.d.). People visit zoos

in their leisure time to enjoy the beauty and close contact of the country’s natural wildlife and

foreign wildlife. The Adelaide Zoo in Australia showcases native and exotic animals’ species

in sets portrayed of their natural habitat surrounded by attractive botanical gardens. There are

also historical structures that can be found throughout the zoo, such as the Rotunda, and

Minchin House (The Role of a Modern Zoo, n.d).

Animal breeding

Zoo’s aid with the survival of endangered species. Globally, zoos are responsible for the

survival of many endangered species. This is mainly done to restore species into the wild to

combat their extinction. An example of this is with the reintroduction of the California

condor into its natural habitat after being bred in zoos and other wildlife parks. The black

soft- shelled turtle that is native to India and Bangladesh, is known to be extinct in the wild,

however, they can be found in various zoos worldwide. They are well taken care of by

biologist to ensure their survival (National Geographic Society. n.d.).

Education

Education is one of the main purposes of a modern-day zoo. In most zoos there are signs with

vital information of each species displayed. Some zoos took upon themselves to teach the

public about trade of species and the effects this has on ecosystems. One example of this is

the Barranquilla Zoo in Columbia hosting sessions, in a nearby school each day, about pet

trade. These workshop’s focus is the trade of parrots and how it affects the species and their

ecosystem. This program aims to teach the students how trading lowers species numbers and

discuss the behavioral and physical issues that parrots can have because of inadequate care
(Research Gate, n.d.). Different zoos around the world have different programmes that aims

to educate visitors of the importance of the different species found in their zoo.

According to John E. Fa, Stephan M.Frank, and Donnamarie O’Connell (2010), the educative

programmes offered by zoos may be divided into three main categories being formal

education, informal education, and education for conservation. The focus group for formal

education is on school. When students visit the zoo, they can often participate in research

programs, listen to lectures, and see documentaries. Also, some universities partner with zoos

for research, and to teach courses about the management and conservation of species. The

target audience for informal education is open to all age groups. This method makes use of

easily comprehendible graphics and various displays that aims to teach about the origin,

endangerment, and conservation of species. Some zoos collaborate with local conservation

organizations to promote conservation awareness programs (Dalia A. Conde, 2013).

Research

Zoos aid in carrying out and facilitating scientific research on species in captivity and in the

wild. Research on endangered species is mostly conducted. Research on species physiology

and endocrinology, for instance, are significantly more likely to succeed in zoos. A variety of

studies have been dedicated to the creation of better confinement programs, like mate

selection, reproduction, and disease prevention and treatment, because zoos must maintain

viable and healthy populations. Additionally, zoos are involved in studies of wildlife, these

include studies on the population of wildlife demography, wildlife disease, wildlife behavior,

and their evolution (Dalia A. Conde, 2013).

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