My Finding Out Project

By Isabelle Dixon
Contents:
Page 1- Contents
Page 2- Bibliography
Page 3- History of Zoos
Page 4- The Debate
Page 5- Safari Parks
Page 6- Funding
Page 7- Staff and Volunteers
Page 8- Zoos during Covid-19
Bibliography
National Geographic Society
Zoological Society of London (ZSL)
The History of Zoos
There is lots of evidence which suggests that wild animals have been
kept in zoos for thousands of years, but not like the ones we have
today. Rich families would keep wild animals as a way of showing off
their wealth to others. These collections of animals were called
menageries.
The first zoos that were similar to ones today became popular in the
early 18th century. Zoos like these were first created for scientific
purposes. People wanted to study the behaviour and anatomy of
different species and to do this, they had to keep animals in
enclosures that had the features of their natural habitat.
In 1793, the first modern zoo was built in Paris. It was called
Menagerie du Jardin which translates to Menagerie of the Garden. It
is still running today.
The Debate
For years, there has been an ongoing debate regarding the wellbeing
of animals kept in zoos. Many people believe that animals that are
kept in captivity suffer and many die very young. Some people argue
against this by saying that zoos help to preserve and breed
endangered animals which is sometimes the case. Companies take
groups of endangered animals in the wild and bring them to zoos in
order to breed them and eventually release them to the wild in order
to increase the number of animals. Even though this can be a good
thing, if too many animals are in an enclosure it can become
crowded and stressful for those animals.
New studies have found that most captive-born predators (i.e. lions)
die if released. This is because if they are raised in captivity, they are
fed and do not need to hunt for their food. Therefore, when they are
released into the wild, they do not know how to hunt or even protect
themselves so it is very likely they will die of starvation or be killed.
This is why breeding animals in zoos can also be a bad thing.
Safari parks
Safari parks are very open parklands where wild animals are kept
freely outside and visitors can drive through to see the animals.
Safaris are very popular in many places, especially Africa where
native animals are incredible to see. All the animals kept in safari
parks are free to roam around which is why many precautions are
taken. When at a safari, all visitors are forbidden to leave their cars
unless told otherwise (i.e. through signs) as it is not like a zoo, where
the animals are used to humans, they are wild. There have been few
incidents where animals at safari parks have damaged vehicles but
not many as overall, they are very safe. Even though there is much
more space for animals, safaris can still be stressful to the animals
due to the many vehicles constantly travelling through.
Funding
Zoos can raise money in many different ways. The most basic and common
way is through ticket sales and memberships. People who go to the same zoo a
lot may buy a membership as it saves them paying for tickets each time.
Another way is through education programs. Some zoos do programs for
children (and adults) to help feed some of the different animals which costs
money. This sort of experience attracts many members of the public and
tickets usually sell out. Some zoos (such as Whipsnade Zoo) do overnight
camps where you pay to sleep in cabins in fenced of locations around the zoo.
This is also a fun experience that many people would enjoy. Cafes and
restaurants raise lots of money for zoos as people can go to the zoo and buy a
picnic to eat on their way round.
Many companies donate lots of money to zoos and some schools and clubs
raise money to give to some zoos that maybe need more space which raises
lots of money. Events such as birthdays are also good for raising money as
people pay for separate lunchrooms and soft play tickets at the zoo. You can
also pay for tours! These are just some of the ways which zoos raise money!
Staff and Volunteers
Volunteering at zoos is a very fun and exciting way to get some work
experience or just to give back. Lots of people get to share their passion for
animals and wildlife and meet new people when volunteering at zoo and they
get to interact with different animals. However, most volunteer jobs do not
include physical interaction with any species, it mainly includes feeding and
cleaning enclosures. Even though volunteers are not paid, you can still take a
good experience away from it.
There are a lot of different jobs at zoos such as veterinarians, conservation
biologists and keepers. They all have different tasks to do each day to maintain
the safety and welfare of the animals and visitors. There is really no job that is
the most important in a zoo but they all help.
Zoos during Covid-19
During the hard times we are facing with coronavirus, zoos still have to look
after the animals. Many zoos have explained that all keepers in close contact
with animals will be wearing face masks and gloves as they handle animals,
prepare food and clean enclosures. All zoo memberships are being extended
and full refunds are being given. The only way zoos can make money to help
look after the animals at the moment is through donations, so people are
being encouraged to donate no matter how big or small the amount is. Many
zoos are keeping the public updated through social media so that people can
see how the animals are getting on. Zookeepers and the rest of the staff are
potentially risking their lives to save the animals’ which shows huge
dedications. Zoos are being very well supported through this time.

Thank you for reading.