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From the last ice age when people preserved images of wild animals on cave
walls to today when we try to preserve the animals themselves in zoological parks,
our relationship with the animal world has changed dramatically. People have feared
wild animals, hunted them, revered them as gods, domesticated them, recklessly destroyed
their habitats, and tragically endangered the survival of many species. However, people
have always admired animals and learned from them, and, increasingly, have recognized
the need to protect them.
What can we learn at today's zoo?
In the heart of New York City, residents and visitors can find a naturalistic refuge
at the Central Park Zoo—established in 1864 as the Central Park Menagerie.
As shown in this historic photograph, people could view exotic animals from around
the world, but they were often uninformed about the animals' living conditions and
about the danger of extinction facing many of the species on display. Today, Central
Park Zoo, like many of the finest zoos, views educating the public and protecting wildlife,
as equally important missions.
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Almost as old as the first American zoos is the debate over whether zoos help or hinder
wildlife preservation. In part, this is because many zoos of the past were roadside operations
that confined animals to small cages. Today's zoos expend a great deal of effort to recreate
the natural habitats of the animals on display. Parks such as the 1,800-acre San Diego Wild
Animal Park, provide far larger spaces for animals to roam compared with the zoos of yesteryear.
Moreover, some animals that were nearly wiped out in the wild have been saved from extinction by
zoos that were committed to gradually reintroducing healthy animals to their natural habitats.
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Zoos and wildlife adventure parks have also become major contributors to research and action to
protect animal species. Busch Gardens and SeaWorld are known for their highly entertaining shows
and events. They have also made efforts to protect animals by establishing a nonprofit conservation
fund that promotes genetic diversity and habitat preservation. Many other zoos, aquariums,
and adventure parks have also become important advocates for endangered species.
Credits: (detail) Killer whale show © John Warden/Getty Images; Rainforest clearance
© Tony Morrison/South American Pictures; Bison. Prehistoric cave painting. Altamira Caves, Spain.
Photo © Scala/Art Resource, New York; Central Park Zoo © Corbis; People with tortoise ©
Audubon Zoo, New Orleans, Louisiana;
Killer whale show © John Warden/Getty Images.
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