zoological garden

zoological garden or zoo, public or private park where living animals are kept for exhibition and study. The menageries and aviaries of China, Egypt, and Rome were famous in ancient times. From the late medieval period many rulers had private menageries, some of which later formed the nucleus of public exhibits. Nearly all large cities now have zoological reserves. Notable ones include those of London (Regent's Park), Paris (Jardin des Plantes and Jardin d'Acclimatation, Bois de Boulogne), Berlin (Tiergarten), Toronto (Metro), New York City (Bronx), Chicago (Lincoln Park and Brookfield), Cincinnati, Detroit, Philadelphia, St. Louis, and San Diego (Balboa Park). Modern trends include breeding endangered animals in captivity (some have been reintroduced into the wild), exhibiting animals in enclosures simulating their natural habitat rather than in cages (open-range zones or safari parks), and educating the public about the principles of ecology.

Zoological Gardens. In 1831 the Zoological Society of Ineland (founded 1830) opened its zoo in Dublin; the aim was to advance scientific research as well as inform and divert the public. Belfast (1934) was the first municipal zoo in the United Kingdom; it too had both scientific and leisure purposes. Balfast in the 1980s and Dublin the the 1990s reorganized, placing a stronger emphasis on conservation (especially of endangered species) and education. The Causeway Safari Park, Co Antrim (1970–97), and the Fota Wildlife Park, Co. Cork (founded 1983), adopted a somewhat different policy by emphaszing the liberty of movement of stock.

David Sturdy

Zoo (zoological gardens) Public or private institution in which living animals are kept and exhibited. Wild animals have been kept in captivity since the beginning of recorded history. Organized public zoos, sometimes called menageries or aquariums (for fish), have been operating for more than 500 years in Europe. Today, non-profit-making organizations or zoological societies run most zoos in a scientific manner. They are organized for public recreation as well as for scientific and educational purposes. The emphasis is on conservation of endangered species and exhibiting animals in natural settings.