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A zoo (is a short form of the zoological garden; also known as an animal park or menagerie) is a facility in which animals are housed within enclosures, cared for, they are displayed to the public, and in some cases, they can also be bred for any conservational purposes. The term zoological garden means zoology, i.e. the study of animals. The abbreviation zoo was first used for the London Zoological Gardens, which was opened for scientific studies in 1828 and to the public in 1847. Most of the earlier zoos exhibit general collections of animals, but some newly formed ones specialize in particular groups— such as primates, big cats, tropical birds, or waterfowl. Marine invertebrates, fishes, and marine mammals are mainly kept in separate establishments known as aquariums.
Overview of Zoological Park
Zoological Park is usually very difficult to maintain and is time-consuming. It requires knowledge, experience and hard work. Many factors are responsible for the establishment of a zoological park it includes a selection of sites (which should be approachable, well-drained with lots of trees), animals for the park, and public amenities such as restaurants, cars parks, toilets etc. A regular electric and water supply along with suitable vigilance and personnel management should be done.
Advantages of Zoos
We can observe many varieties of animals.
Zoos help in raising awareness of our environmental problems.
Zoos play a very crucial role in the protection of endangered species from extinction.
We can see different exotic animals without the need for travelling.
Going to the zoo is sort of a short vacation for many people
Going to the zoo is often quite affordable
These are important from a research point of view.
It also acts as an important income source for many local communities all around the world.
Global cooperation is highly encouraged.
Animals are protected from poaching.
Nice destination for school excursions.
Disadvantages of Zoos
Animals are trapped in a somewhat unnatural environment.
Conditions in zoos are mainly rather poor.
Animals quite often have quite limited space.
Some zoos exist mainly for profit-maximization purposes.
Mental problems of animals in zoos get disturbed.
Animals may not breed properly in zoos in a sufficient manner.
Zoos may sometimes lead to the alteration in the behaviour of animals.
Some of the staff members may only have insufficient knowledge.
Some zoos completely rely on donations and government support.
Zoos might also be problematic from an ethical point of view.
It becomes difficult for animals to return to the wild.
Some zoos are quite crowded and do not offer sufficient space.
The life expectancy of animals in zoos becomes shorter.
Some wild animals have to be caught to forcefully bring them to the zoo.
Types of Zoological Parks
Special climate conditions might be created for animals living in extreme environments, like those of penguins. Special enclosures for birds, mammals, insects, reptiles, fish, and other aquatic life forms have also seen development. Few zoos possess walk-through exhibits where visitors enter enclosures of non-aggressive species, like those of lemurs, marmosets, birds, lizards, and turtles.
Safari Parks
Some zoos keep their animals in larger, outdoor enclosures, by confining them with moats and fences, rather than putting them in cages. Safari parks also referred to as zoo parks and lion farms, help the visitors to drive through them and come near the animals.
Aquaria
The first-ever public aquarium was opened at the London Zoo in the year 1853. This was further followed by the opening of public aquaria in continental Europe and the United States.
Roadside zoos
Roadside zoos can be found throughout North America, mainly in remote locations. They are generally smaller, for-profit zoos often intended to attract visitors to some other facility, like a gas station. Some of the animals might be trained enough to perform tricks, and visitors can get closer to them than in larger zoos. Since they are sometimes less regulated, roadside zoos are mainly subjected to accusations of neglect and cruelty.
Petting Zoos
A petting zoo, also known as petting farms or children’s zoos, comprises a combination of domestic animals and wild species that are docile enough to touch and feed. To ensure the animals’ health, the food is supplied by the zoo, either via vending machines or a kiosk nearby.
Conclusion
Lastly, I would like to conclude that animals urgently need to be protected. There is no point in debating but not taking any action. So, for the sake of all animals living in captivity, we should build more quality open zoos and take more heavy fines for making zoo animals perform. It is via these measures our next generation will value wild animals. Here we come to an end of this topic, we hope that you were able to get a clear concept of the topic.
