Zoos: Nurturing Conservation and Education for Future Generations

The role of zoos has dramatically evolved over time. Zoological institutions have come a long way, and those that are doing things well are creating wildlife sanctuaries, nurturing endangered species, and helping conservation efforts. Today’s zoos serve two basic functions: community resource and conservation entity.

A Shift from Entertainment to Education and Conservation

Whereas zoos and aquariums were originally about entertainment, followed by some education, many of today’s institutions are about education and conservation. Originally, most zoos were created as a place for recreation with an emphasis on biological literacy. In the 1970s, as ecological concerns began to emerge, zoos could no longer justify themselves as primarily entertainment facilities and started to consider making conservation their central role.

Today, more than ever, zoos need to think harder [about] why they are there and what role they will fill in conservation, education, and research.

The Mission of Modern Zoos

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) defines the mission of zoos as striving to be global leaders in “animal care, wildlife conservation and science, conservation education, the guest experience, and community engagement.” AZA's commitment extends to promoting high standards of excellence in all aspects of conservation education. Accreditation Standards and Board-Approved Policies have been established to ensure this objective is achieved and often evolve to meet increasingly rigorous criteria.

Core Themes in Zoo Missions

Patrick, Matthews, Ayers & Tunnicliffe, (2007a) and Patrick, P., Matthews, C., Tunnicliffe & Ayers, (2007b) analyzed AZA-accredited zoos’ mission statements and established that there are seven main themes:

Education
Conservation
Recreation
Facilities
Research
Administration
Culture

Five Main Purposes of Zoos

In addition to the seven themes found in mission statements, the literature identifies five main purposes of zoos:

Exhibiting animals for the public
Providing education
Conservation
Research
Providing recreational opportunities for visitors

Education as a Cornerstone

Education is a cornerstone of the modern zoo's mission. Zoos are great education spaces, sparking the next generation of environmentalists. By visiting a zoo, people have the opportunity to learn more about nature and animals. In 2007, 132 (96%) of the 137 AZA-accredited zoo mission statements include education as a predominant theme.

The specific aim of biological conservation education is to develop lifelong knowledge and skills for conservation action. Biological conservation education recognizes the central role of people in all nature conservation efforts and is designed to engage people and their perceived roles in nature.

Educational Programs and Initiatives

Zoos offer a variety of educational programs and initiatives, including:

On-grounds programs
School presentations
Online informational resources
Summer camps
Behind-the-scenes tours
Teacher certification and educational resources

For example, the Honolulu Zoo runs a camp program that immerses children in various aspects of the animal world. Kids learn about different animals and their habitats and get hands-on experience while they learn. The Honolulu Zoo also offers "Snooze at the Zoo," a program that includes education, tours, and a behind-the-scenes look at park operations.

The Role of Educators

Without these educators, you’re just wandering around looking at awesome animals … as we know most people don’t read the signs. Educators ask visitors questions. They engage with them about what they can do to help protect wildlife habitat.

Conservation Efforts: Protecting Species and Habitats

Conservation of endangered species and their habitats is a key role of zoos. Zoos already assist in the implementation of ESA-mandated recovery plans. While the survival of wildlife can be aided by both education and research, zoos also provide direct support and money to conservation programs.

Addressing Threats to Wildlife

These programs are important because many animal species increasingly face endangerment due to developments such as:

Threats from climate change
A rise in wildlife poaching
Destruction of natural habitats
Loss of genetic variation

Global heating, loss of habitat, and environmental degradation aren’t the only human-caused distresses being inflicted upon the natural world.

Captive Breeding Programs

Zoos offer threatened and endangered animals an environment safe from poachers and developers. They can also help protect the survival of an entire species with their captive breeding programs that aim to find ideal genetic matches.

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These efforts have saved a number of species, including the Arabian oryx, the black-footed ferret, the golden lion tamarin, the red wolf, the Przewalski's horse, the European bison, the California condor and the common dormouse. In total, the populations of more than 100 species have recovered due to zoo programs that provide captive breeding.

Funding and Supporting Conservation

In addition to these direct conservation efforts, zoos also donate money and personnel to help protect animals and their habitats in the wild. American zoos donate over $200 million each year to support conservation efforts worldwide.

Many zoos also participate and help fund local conservation efforts. The Honolulu Zoo, for example, partners with community organizations designed to protect everything from Hawaiian plants to snails to birds to butterflies!

Research: Advancing Scientific Knowledge

Zoos provide an excellent opportunity to develop and implement scientific research. Valuable insights can be gained from studying animals in a controlled environment that would be much more challenging in the wild.

Research Topics

Research conducted by zoos covers a diverse range of topics, including:

Animal behavior
Wildlife biology
Optimal breeding conditions
Population dynamics
Migration patterns
Patterns of genetic diversity
Technologies for tracking large birds
Wildlife social structures

By being able to study animal behavior and explore the best methods for preserving threatened species, zoo research can provide the insight needed to save species and their habitats.

Community Engagement and Impact

The evolution of how a zoo defines itself is dependent on the public’s perceptions of the zoo’s contributions to society. The urban location of zoos provides them with a unique opportunity to influence government policy.

Zoos as Conservation Mentors

Through mentoring efforts, future generations of scientists and citizens will be more aware of the benefits of long-term conservation. As conservation mentors, zoos must lead the public to become citizen conservationists.

Addressing Concerns and Criticisms

Some individuals and groups view zoos and aquariums as prisons for animals. It’s about getting people, zoo officials, and the public to be advocates for the wild world.

Examples of Zoos Making a Difference

Several zoos and aquariums are leading the way in conservation and education.

Bronx Zoo

The Bronx Zoo, one of America’s largest zoos, has more than four million visitors a year. At the Bronx Zoo, these aims are achieved through a range of programs. Summer camps offer "an all-access pass" to the zoo’s 265 acres, where school children can learn about 10,000 animals and more than 700 species. In addition, volunteering, internship and employment opportunities are available for young people and adults, and there’s a graduate scholarship program for conservationists. The zoo also provides certification and educational resources for teachers.

Tennessee Aquarium

The Tennessee Aquarium is working to make sure creatures are released into the natural environment. The lake sturgeon reintroduction program at the Tennessee Aquarium is a wonderful example of how an AZA institution is doing just that. The aquarium recently partnered with the Urban League of Chattanooga to provide science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) experience to thirty eighth graders from Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy.

New England Aquarium

The New England Aquarium runs a conservation program focused on African penguins, whose survival is threatened by the depletion of food from overfishing, climate change, and pollution. The New England Aquarium recently joined the AZA’s Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE) African penguin program, an international effort to protect and restore wild African penguin populations.

Practical Tips for Maximizing Educational Benefits

For families looking to combine fun with education, a trip to the zoo or aquarium offers the perfect adventure.

Hands-On Learning: Zoos and aquariums provide an immersive learning experience that textbooks simply can’t match.
Conservation Awareness: Many zoos and aquariums are at the forefront of conservation efforts, working to preserve species and their natural habitats.
Stimulates Interest in Science: Observing animals and aquatic life offers a practical introduction to biological sciences.
Encourages Empathy and Responsibility: Learning about animals, especially endangered species, and the challenges they face, fosters empathy.

To make the most of a zoo or aquarium visit:

Attend Talks and Feedings: Make time for keeper talks and feeding sessions.
Use Educational Materials: Utilize resources provided by the zoo or aquarium, such as maps and informational booklets.
Encourage discussion: Encourage your children to discuss the animals or exhibits.
Promote Respect: Teach your children to respect the animals.
Plan for breaks: Plan for breaks to rest, especially if you’re visiting with young children.
Discuss the Visit: Talk about what you saw and learned.

tags: #zoos #and #education #benefits