Hamburg Zoo, Tierpark Hagenbeck

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Visit(s)

17.12.2011

History was created in this Zoo right from the start when Carl Hagenbeck, the Zoo's founder, introduced his ideas of bar-less enclosures. Visitors in the beginning of the 20th century were impressed with what they saw, animals in their natural, though artificial, environment without any disturbing bars or fences. Even nowadays some awesome views are provided in Hamburg Zoo with the old enclosures that date from last century. Even for the experienced zoo visitor who has seen modern sites with landscape immersion exhibits will not be disappointed by Hagenbeck's 'old' enclosures. At a closer look you can see that for instance the artificial rock formation for the Himalayan tar and Barbary sheep requires some renovation, but it is still fit for purpose.

The first exhibit you encounter after entering the Zoo is one of the most impressive exhibits, I think. Not only because of the building or outdoor enclosure design where the Asian elephants are kept, but also because of the herd of 11 specimens of this magnificent species? The Zoo's breeding track record is impressive as well with three young, born in 2007, 2008 and 2009, being part of the current herd. The indoor enclosure is designed with Indian ornaments to ensure that the visitor discover (wink) they are watching Asian elephants. But whatever decisions have been made regarding this kind of enclosure design in Tierpark Hagenbeck, it has never been done to the detriment of the animals at stake, as it seems to me. The elephants have a large pool and a waterfall at their disposal, and they do take showers according to images I found on the Internet. From a balcony you have excellent views on the indoor enclosure.

Hamburgzoo Elephant curiousTierpark Hagenbeck often uses deep moats in their enclosure design to make sure the animals stay inside and visitors stay outside. These moats have been introduced by Carl Hagenbeck when he created the bar-less enclosures which allow for unobstructed viewing. An achievement that has been copied ever since and that became a new standard for animal enclosure design in zoos. An example of such a moat can be seen here, where you see one of the elephants shows that the moat is no obstacle to get close to the visitor. A visitor, who - in former days - probably brought some treats for these pachyderms.

The Sumatran orangutans are housed in a dome-shaped indoor enclosure with a jungle-like habitat, including natural vegetation, rocky platforms and many ropes for enrichment. The public has access to a viewing terrace separated from the primates by a water filled moat. Inside, a small snack bar is available, which could inspire people to buy some food or a beverage, but more importantly it could inspire them to sit down, relax, eat or drink, and take some time to watch their fellow primates minding their own business and go on with their daily routine. Which is something I always try to do, taking my time to see how the animals cope with their captive situation and whether their behaviour is natural or not. As far as I can judge within the limitations of my knowledge, of course.
The orangutans share their exhibit with Asian small-clawed otters, which did not show themselves during my visit, unfortunately. Normally, these critters are very enjoyable to watch.

In the far corner of the Zoo's Asian region the Amur tiger does not have access to large facilities, as a matter of fact the enclosure with natural vegetation is rather small. There's not much enrichment and it lacks good shelters, but there are several plateaus to lie down and sleep or observe. As in many zoos nowadays there is no access for the public to the indoor enclosures of the carnivores.

The North Chinese leopard (Panthera pardus japonensis) enclosure is one of the few exceptions regarding enclosure design, as it is absolutely not bar-less, but has wire-mesh fences all around. Except for one side where there's also a viewing window. Strangely enough this feline enclosure lacks good shelters too, like the tiger enclosure. They have got four specimens on display, probably because Tierpark Hagenbeck is the coordinator of the EAZA Ex situ Programme for this endangered leopard.

The Zoo's animal collection is grouped according geographical regions as much as possible. So, as the leopard is the last species of the Asian region you enter another region, this time the American region. The wapiti and bison represent North America, with the wapiti in a small bare paddock, but still good enough to have them breed. Two calves were born October 2011. A mixed species exhibit with alpaca, nandu and capybara represent South America, but the flagship species here is the giant otter.

The South American giant otters (Pteronura brasiliensis) are very loud when they are hungry. At least hunger appeared to be the reason for their loud and nervous behaviour when I arrived at their enclosure. They travelled between their outdoor and indoor enclosure, jumping in and out of the water, producing loud shrieks, until their needs were satisfied: a bucket with fish (see video). These agile aquatic carnivores are great to watch and the way they eat the fish with amazing speed is entertaining as well.

Inside the building of the giant otters the visitor is in for a surprise. There, he will see two species from two different continents (South America and Africa) so close to each other as if the two tectonic plates have never drifted apart. Just across the aisle with on one side the otters, the visitor can see baboons. These African species have an indoor rock face for climbing enrichment, and the ground cover consists of straw and hay which they are busy eating. It is a large tranquil group of baboons with many young!

Two species that easily cross the boundaries of the geographical regions in the Tierpark, because they roam around freely, are the Patagonian mara (Dolichotis patagonum) and the Chinese Reeve's muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi). That is rather different than the peacock, which you see roaming freely in many zoos in Europe.

Hamburgzoo viewfromcliff barbarysheepThe world famous artificial cliff that has been constructed in 1896/7 still exists! It is situated more or less in the centre of the Zoo and marks the border of the African region. You can walk nearly to the very top where you have a great view of the entire Zoo grounds. This cliff, resembles the natural environment for the Barbary sheep on one side, and the Himalayan tar on the other.

My personal favourite is the design and location of the African lion outdoor enclosure close to the savannah mixed species exhibit and just across the footpath of the Chapman zebra and ostrich exhibit. Although the lion enclosure is historic and lacks enrichment, the animals have access to several observation posts, such as a tree trunk. The enclosure is  built like an amphitheatre with a rock face on three sides and a moat (of course!) at the visitor's side. That allows the visitors to have a good view on the lions, but vice versa the lions have an unobstructed view from several observation posts on the neighbouring exhibit with two of their natural prey species, zebra and ostrich. The lion pride comprises eight animals (four adults of which one male, and four cubs born 31.03.2011)

The Tierpark does not have many small (tropical) birds on display. Several large bird species such as cranes, flamingos and eastern white pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) can be found throughout the park (all of them pinioned unfortunately), and there are two flightless bird species: nandu and ostrich. Furthermore, there are three aviaries. The 'Arahaus' has green-winged macaw (Ara chloroptera) on display in one of the world's largest macaw aviaries of about 4000 m3. An old bird house ('Vogelhaus') is situated across the work in progress that will lead to a new 'Eismeer' , an arctic display of polar bears, penguins, sea-lions and sea birds to be ready in 2012. Another larger aviary is to be found a bit further down the path, with a variety of South American birds such as scarlet ibis, inca tern, black-necked swan and boat-billed heron (Cochlearius cochlearius).

While navigating back to the entrance/exit and towards the Tropical Aquarium I passed the historic Jugendstil gate that served as an entrance in the old days. A few steps further the Kamchatka bears reside in a fine example of Hagenbeck design, with artificial rocky cliffs, undulating grounds, trees and the inevitable water filled moat.

The Tropical Aquarium
The Hagenbeck Aquarium is more than just another aquarium building. It is a huge landscape immersion exhibit with not only fish and reptile species, but mammals and birds as well. And it is full of surprises, especially when you expect another endless row of aquariums and vivariums. It is like a maze of (sub)tropical exhibits with around every corner something exciting and surprising. The bat grotto, the gigantic crocodile basin, the shark and fish tank with its phenomenally large viewing window, the ring-tailed lemurs and the free flying loris, are all examples of the mix of ingredients that give you a taste of the South American, African and Asian jungle. It is an experience, with an impressive abundance of diversity. Personally, I think it's a bit of an overkill this diversity, but that is just a matter of opinion, of course.

As said before the animal collection is grouped according geographical regions, Asia, North America, South America, Africa, Australia. Just a few outliers can be identified such as the ring-tailed coati (Nasua nasua) from South America that is housed in the Asia area, and the Brazil tapir close to the African region. In addition, there is a grouping of species according their habitat, the arctic zone ('Eismeer') and the (sub)tropical rainforest ('Tropen-Aquarium').

A lot of respect is being paid to the Zoo's history. Not only by having on the premises a statue of Carl Hagenbeck - the Zoo's founder, a bust of his father - Gottfried Claes Carl Hagenbeck, and the original Jugendstil entrance as a kind of memorial, but also by using several of the original (still fit-for-purpose) enclosures that originate from the period that the Zoo was still called Stellingen Zoo.

Bust GCC HagenbeckStatue C Hagenbeck


Hamburg Zoo is a well-organised zoo with commendable few animal species and lots of space. The Zoo has got several big ponds and large meadows, which are just open space and not turned into an enclosure. Most of the enclosures fit Carl Hagenbeck's view that animals in captivity should be presented without anything obstructing the visitor's view. Besides the aviaries, I could only identify two exceptions, the wapiti paddock and the North Chinese leopard enclosure. The founder would be grateful if he knew.
In the winter restaurant you are still being waited at your table - something that is quite exceptional these days in zoos around the world, where everything is self-service.

3500 BCE

Nekhen, Egypt

The oldest known zoological collection was revealed during excavations at Nekhen in 2009 of a menagerie that dates to about 3500 BCE. Nekhen was the religious and political capital of Upper Egypt at the end of prehistoric Egypt (3200–3100 BCE). The graves revealed remnants of 14 animals in total, including a leopard, two crocodiles, hippopotami, hartebeest, two elephants, baboons, and African wildcats. Read more

2100 BCE

Mesopotamia

In the Mesopotamian region flourishing city-states developed along the Tigris and Euphrate rivers. This area was suitable for agriculture but lacked resources to sustain other technologies. Thus, trade developed over time, and with increasing prosperity the Mesopotamian merchants started trading wild exotic animals as well. These animals became part of animal collections of royalty and wealthy individuals, the one even more impressive than the other. Royalty kept lions and other animals, such as ibis, cranes, herons, pelicans, elephants, ostriches, gazelle and ibex, for exhibition purposes. Royal lions were kept in cages and pits during the Third Dynasty of Ur around 2100 BCE.

The Indus civilization

The Indus civilization along the Indus river in a region what is now Pakistan domesticated animals, in particular elephants. Also they traded wild animals with Mesopotamian merchants, such as elephants, tigers, rhinoceroses and antelope. Authenticating seals used on traded cargo depicting these wild animals give evidence of this. Although no direct evidence exists, it is thought that animal collections have been part of the Indus society due to the above and the fact that wealthy people had access to other ancient societies that held animal collections.

1500 BCE

Expeditions to the Land of Punt

Under the rule of Hatshepsut, the only Egyptian female pharaoh, ambitious and famous expeditions took place to the Land of Punt, in present-day Somalia, between 1510 and 1490 BCE. Many trade goods were bought in Punt, and Egypt had a new supply of myrrh, trees, ebony, ivory, gold, cinnamon, incense, eye paint, skins of southern panthers, and live animals. Like many civilizations that accumulate wealth, Hatshepsut took an interest in exotic animals and ordered to collect live animals, too. The animals brought to Egypt from Punt included apes, monkeys, birds, greyhounds, cattle, leopards, cheetahs, rhinoceroses, and giraffes. They formed the largest known animal collection in Egypt to that time. It is unknown how the animals were housed or maintained, despite the fact that the greatness of the acquisitions was depicted in murals.

1300 BCE

Pharaoh Ramesses II

Egyptian domestications attempts included many different kinds of native wild ruminants and carnivores. These animals were fattened on bread dough, as were many kinds of birds. A variety of birds were kept in domestic flocks, particularly geese and ducks, but also swans, doves and cranes. Wealthy Egyptians at all times kept menageries, in which they brought up the animals taken by the lasso or by the dogs in the desert, as well as those brought into Egypt by way of commerce or as tribute. Egyptians particularly liked to tame as many of these species as possible. Pharaoh Ramesses II for instance had, besides an extensive animal collection of African species originating from the Punt expeditions, a tame lion that not only accompanied him into battle, but also guarded the royal tent at night.

1050 BCE

China , Zhou dynasty

In China it was during periods of unification (the dynasties) that significant animal collections, including exotic species, were developed. These collections served the practical purpose of ritiual sacrifice as well as aesthetical purposes for the wealthy class. These animals were kept in parks or breeding grounds. It started with the Shang dynasty (1600-1050 BCE), but the first well-known animal reserve was created by the founder of the Zhou dynasty (1550-221 BCE), Wen Wang. These animal reserves or parks were large, walled-in natural areas that required their own staffs of administrators, keepers and veterinarians.

700 BCE

First ‘suitable’ animal enclosures

In Mesopotamia Sennacherib's predecessors kept a variety of animals in parks. Herds of deer, gazelle and ibex for instance were transported from conquered territories to Assyria, and species like lions, apes, ostriches and falcons of which some species were never before seen in Assyria. Not only animals were imported, also foreign trees and fruiting plants. But, Sennacherib was the first to create dedicated areas for these exotic animals and plants as an ecosystem exhibit. He is also believed to be the creator of the famous hanging gardens of Babylon, which were actually at the palace garden of Sennacherib located at Nineveh.

330 BCE

Greek animal collections

The Greek interest in science reflected their attitude towards animals which went beyond observational knowledge. Animals played a central role in their culture and mythology, and their animal collections during this period were not just about displaying power, but also about understanding the animal kingdom. Due to the military campaigns into Asia by Alexander the Great, the Greek not only expanded their territory significantly but their curiosity horizon as well. Alexander sent many exotic animals back to Aristotle. Philosophers like Aristotle studied animals for scientific purposes, and his writings indicate a rudimentary approach to zoology. Whether the animals remained alive and maintained in collections is still unknown.

27 BCE - 476 CE

Roman Empire

The Roman view on nature was similar to the Greek attitude, practical and utilitarian. In other words use natural resources productively. Meaning that extensive agriculture, deforestation, mining and hunting had significant environmental consequences. So at the end of the reigning period of the Roman Empire (around 500 CE) they had depleted many of their natural resources, including wild animals in conquered territories in Europe, Africa and Asia. These exotic species, such as lions, leopards, ostriches, hippopotamuses, crocodiles, monkeys, rhinoceroses and elephants were captured or diplomatic gifts and sent back to Rome.

Animal entertainment in the Roman Empire

Early Roman Republic baiting (around 500 BCE), where animals were used to attack another animal, evolved into increasingly elaborate spectacles called venationes. These type of public spectacles featured contests between beasts or between men (prisoners) and beasts staged in an amphitheatre, usually in connection with gladiator shows. Lions, hyenas, leopards, giraffes, and rhinos entered the arena and were, in most cases, killed. The scale of this slaughter was enormous, with over 9,000 animals being ordered, transported and killed for a single event: the inauguration of the Colosseum in Rome in 80 CE. The animals must have been sourced from animal collections, but not much has been written about how and where the animals were kept. When the animals were not scheduled for fighting, they were used in yearly parades honouring those who passed away.

500 CE

The end of terrible animal abuse

The disintegration of the Roman infrastructure led to the loss of the Roman animal collections, and fortunately the abuse during the venationes. Monarchs, monasteries and municipalities, however, continued to keep their wild animal collections in villa gardens, large parks and hunting reserves. It were these collections, that continued to the Medieval period, and emerged as the menageries of the aristocracy during the Renaissance period. Again, or perhaps still, the animals were considered symbols of power and wealth.

500 - 1500 CE

Persian and Arab animal collections

When the Islamic caliphate expanded (ca. 622-1492 CE), gardens and parks that were influenced by the Persian re-creations of the Garden of Eden were introduced in conquered territories. Although natural sciences, unlike other sciences, were not considered important by the Arabs, animal collections were kept in those parks. For instance Abderrahman III (912-961 CE) established an animal park in the city of Zahra north of Cordoba, Spain. Here, animals were kept in cages and fenced enclosures. These Arab collections continued through the Medieval and into the Renaissance period. During both periods, animals were exchanged between European and Muslim rulers.

Medieval animal collections

During the Middle Ages in Europe, the keeping of exotic animals became a symbol of royal privilege. The first zoos emerged as private menageries, being spectacles of power and wealth enjoyed exclusively by royalty, the Church and the aristocracy. The animals were seen as exotic collections to be displayed, rather than living creatures deserving of compassion. Tigers, lions, bears, and elephants were kept in cramped cages or chained up, with bare stone floors and minimal shelter from the elements. But this was of little concern to the menagerie owners. The animals existed solely for the amusement of their high-status visitors. The menageries existed in many countries, such as England, Switzerland, Holland, Denmark, France, Italy and the Vatican. Pope Leo X kept tropical birds, lions, leopards, other cats and mammals.

Aztec and Inca animal collections

Aztec and Inca civilizations were continuations of Americas’ earlier civilizations that may be as old as those of the Old World. They reached their heights and flourished between 1400 and 1500 CE. The Aztecs were well-structured and traded throughout the Americas. Extensive gardens and royal forests contained impressive animal collections. The Aztec emperor Montezuma II, in what is today Mexico, maintained one of the earliest animal collections in the Western Hemisphere. It was destroyed by Hernan Cortes during the Spanish conquest in 1520, who left in writing detailed descriptions of the beauty and value of what he destroyed. The Incas, like the Aztecs, had animal collections and gardens, both real and artificial. No detailed information on these collections was left by Pizarro, who conquered the Inca civilization.

1500 - 1600 CE

Public access to private collections

During the Renaissance period the rich elite occasionally allowed naive citizens to view their collections. The Medici family in Florence was one of the first to allow public viewing of their menagerie, after relocation of their collection to San Marco in 1550, via a viewing area in the adjacent amphitheatre*. Thus, setting the stage for the zoos that would follow. This introduction to exotic wildlife to the public accelerated when travelling menageries came into existence and zoos were founded which allowed the common people to visit their grounds.

1600 - 1800 CE

The Age of Enlightenment

The Age of Enlightenment in Europe was an intellectual and philosophical movement in the 17th and 18th century during which new ideas and world views were developed. There was a surge for intellectual and scientific progress, which fundamentally changed the interaction of mankind with the natural world. It was during this era that the concept of the zoo became more than merely a public spectacle. There was more attention for the study and conservation of animals and nature in general.

1752

Tierpark Schönbrunn in Vienna

Tierpark Schönbrunn in Vienna, the oldest existing zoo in the world, founded.

1793

Menagerie du Jardin des Plantes in Paris

Menagerie du Jardin des Plantes in Paris founded.

1826

London Zoo

London Zoo founded with a clear scientific mandate, which marked a significant evolution in the concept of zoos.

Many more cities established zoos

Many cities in Europe and North America followed by establishing their own zoo, responding to people’s growing fascination with exotic places and animal, and often inspired by the model of London Zoo. Hence, the role of the zoo altered, and the zoo became a place where education, research, and leisure converged, allowing people from all backgrounds to engage with and learn about nature, specifically the animal world.

1870 - 1958

Indigenous tribes on display

In the 1870s and 1880s it became common to display groups of indigenous peoples from Africa, Asia, South America and the Pacific Islands. These peoples were seen as scientifically "primitive" or "exotic". The so-called "ethnographical displays" were travelling exhibitions, but were also part of entertainment in zoos. It died out after World War II. Oddly it was Hitler who first banned them. The last was in Belgium in 1958.

Poster announcement for a Sinhalese (people from Sri Lanka) ethnographic exhibition by Carl Hagenbeck in 1886

1874

Philadelphia Zoo

America’s first zoo, Philadelphia Zoo opened its gates to the public on 1 July 1874.

1900 -

The Hagenbeck revolution

In the early 1900s the way animals were exhibited in zoos changed. Carl Hagenbeck, a German animal entrepreneur from Hamburg, decided that his travelling exhibition of animals and indigenous people should be on display at a permanent home, the Hagenbeck Tierpark (Hamburg Zoo). More importantly, the animals had to be displayed with an unobstructed view in a natural setting. So, the bar-less, moated open-air enclosures with panoramic views were introduced. As practically every major zoo, circus or private collector in the world bought animals from Hagenbeck the animal handler, his ideas on zoo design spread fast.

1907

Hagenbeck Tierpark

Hagenbeck Tierpark in Hamburg was founded by Carl Hagenbeck and opened its gates to the public on 7 May.

Nature depleted of its wildlife

The ever increasing number of zoos needed exotic animals urgently, while these exotic species often died in captivity without producing offspring. Therefore, wild animal traders like Carl Hagenbeck sourced their animals in the wild. This raised concern, because it became clear that a dramatic number of species was decreasing in the wild at the beginning of the 20th century. The planet’s biodiversity needed protection and conservation.

1914-1945

The World Wars

Both World Wars had a rather devastating effect on zoos, especially in Western Europe. Lack of staff, food, feed and fuel, and destruction by bombs led to a decreased number of species and specimens, let alone that hungry citizens went after the zoo animals.

1929 -

European bison

European bison, or wisent, once roamed wild throughout large parts of Europe. However, European bison went nearly extinct in the wild, except for 54 animals remaining in European zoos. Fortunately, a breeding programme initiated in Poland in 1929 managed to save Europe’s largest land mammal. The European bison now has its own EAZA Ex-situ Programme (EEP). Thanks to the conservation efforts, reintroduction projects and breeding centres, bison population is now growing and spreading. In December 2015 there were 6,000 bison in Europe: 4,400 in the wild or living in semi-wild conditions and 1,600 in captivity. Saving the European bison from extinction is considered one of the biggest successes in European conservation for which zoo populations were essential. Nevertheless, European bison is still a vulnerable species and zoo populations are still essential, and more work needs to be done in the continued conservation efforts of this impressive species within Europe. Read more

1935

World Association of Zoos and Aquariums

WAZA, founded in 1935 during the interbellum, is the "umbrella" organization for the world zoo and aquarium community.

1960 -

Focus shift towards conservation, animal welfare and education

Nature’s state of affairs at the beginning of the 20th century was not forgotten after the wars. So, after rebuilding and repopulating their own zoo, the zoos began to shift their focus from mere exhibition to conservation and education. This marked the beginning of ethical considerations, for the first time in the history of zoos. Growing public interest in animal rights and criticism of welfare standards in zoos led to questioning the concept of zoos as such - causing the many zoos and zoo organisations to re-evaluate their role.

Zoo conservation efforts

During the 1980s and 1990s many individual zoos started to put more emphasis on the role of conservation in their activities. Jersey Wildlife Park (now Durrell Zoo) was one of the pioneers of this new kind of zoo which kept wild animals primarily for conservation purposes, identifying a threefold purpose of biological study, captive breeding for reintroduction, and education and training, all focussed on actively supporting the survival of threatened species.

Animal welfare improvements

To improve animal welfare zoo management slowly accepted that enclosure design should be made fit for purpose. The purpose being to facilitate the animal to express natural behaviour, including climbing, seek shelter and social interaction. And easy to clean barren cages of concrete did not fulfil the requirements. So, building on the concept of Hagenbeck, enclosure design embraced natural settings with trees, shrubs and boulders.

Endangered species breeding programmes

The zoo world acknowledged that continuation of sourcing endangered species from the wild would be counterproductive in the end. This caused a shift in zoo policy worldwide, knowing that diversity of animals in the wild was at stake made breeding of endangered species in zoos necessary. Maintaining the diversity of the animal kingdom became the main driver for many zoos. In addition, they understood they had to work together to make breeding endangered species in zoos a success. Taking part in breeding programmes is a requirement to be member of a continental zoo organisation and/or the global zoo organisation WAZA.

1972 -

Arabian oryx

In 1972 the Arabian oryx was officially declared extinct in the wild. An ambitious rescue plan led by the Fauna Preservation Society (now known as Fauna & Flora) had been developed in the 1960s, Operation Oryx. A few specimens of the last surviving individuals in what is now South Yemen, were captured. Captive breeding was set up with the zoo community, with contributions of Phoenix Zoo, London Zoo, San Diego Zoo and more. The ex situ breeding proved to be very successful, with 1,600 Arabian oryx distributed over the world zoo community by 1992. Returning them to the wild was a bigger problem, because hunting by poachers still was the main threat. Nonetheless, the IUCN was able to reclassify the Arabian oryx as Vulnerable in 2011, but hunting remain a serieus threat to this day.

1 July 1975

CITES treaty came into force

Filmed in the 1930s, this historical footage shows the capture of a wild African elephant in South Africa, presumably for the Berlin Zoo. The Berlin Zoological Garden (German: Zoologischer Garten Berlin) is the oldest and best known zoo in Germany. It opened its gates in 1844.

source: the Periscope Film LLC archive (http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com)

Until the 1970s, many zoo animals were captured in the wild and transported from distant regions after long journeys and much stress, as shown in the video. Unfortunately, efforts to breed many species in captivity often failed, or the animals died prematurely. As a result, capturing animals from the wild and trading them remained necessary, further reducing wild populations of some species and putting them at risk of extinction. To protect endangered species, the CITES treaty came into force on 1 July 1975. This international agreement regulates the trade of protected species. The treaty - which applies in 185 countries - prohibits trade in critically endangered species - such as the grey parrot, snow leopard, red panda and black rhinoceros, and only permits trade in protected species with a permit. Due to these stricter regulations, zoos found it more attractive to manage their own animal populations effectively rather than navigate the bureaucratic process of obtaining permits for wild-caught animals. Since then, knowledge of animal species and their needs has significantly increased. Improved housing and enrichment have enabled captive animals to exhibit more natural behaviours, including reproduction. Successful breeding programmes now aim to reintroduce captive-born and raised individuals of endangered species back into the wild. These breeding programmes, in which modern, reputable zoos participate, are designed to prevent the extinction of species. Instead of sourcing from the wild, it is now the other way around, reintroducing captive-born animals into the wild.

1982 -

California condor

In the 1960s the California condor was facing extinction due to the destruction of habitat, poaching, and lead poisoning. In 1982 it was decided - when only 22 birds remained in the wild - that all the remaining condors would be brought in for protection and captive breeding. San Diego Zoo Global was given permission to begin the California Condor Recovery Project. The programme involved the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, California Department of Fish and Game, the National Audubon Society, and the Los Angeles Zoo. The project became one of the best examples of recovery programmes of endangered species. Already in 1991 they started to release captive-bred condors into their native habitat, and within 20 years the population of California condors grew to almost 200 birds. It required development of techniques to avoid the condor chicks to know they were actually hand-raised by humans. In October 2014, the total population of California condors was 425, of which 219 living in the wild. Today, captive-bred condors have been successfully released into the wild in Arizona, and Baja California, Mexico. More than 50 California condors now join the population every year, and more importantly 12 to 15 chicks now hatch in the wild annually.

1992

European Association of Zoos and Aquaria

EAZA is founded in 1992 and works to facilitate cooperation within the Europe and Western Asia zoo and aquarium community towards the goals of education, research and conservation. Its parent organisation is WAZA.

1994 -

Socorro dove

The last record of an individual of the Socorro dove in its natural habitat, Socorro Island on the Revillagigedo Archipelago (Mexico), was in 1972. Nonetheless, it took the IUCN 12 years to officially declare the Socorro dove extinct in the wild. The decline and extinction in the wild of this species is caused by human predation, high levels of understorey grazing by sheep, and predation by feral cats. However, doves that were brought to California in 1925 allowed for captive breeding in the USA and later in Europe. Today, facilities in Europe, the United States, and now Mexico breed Socorro Doves in their aviaries as part of the globally managed breeding programme. Currently there are circa 150 birds in captivity. Reintroduction of the species in the wild on Socorro Island requires careful planning, because habitat destruction and predation must be avoided at all times.

1996 -

Przewalski horse

Przewalski's horses once ranged throughout Europe and Asia. Competition with man and livestock, as well as changes in the environment, led to the horse moving east to Asia, and eventually becoming extinct in the wild. Today they can only be found in reintroduction sites in Mongolia, China, and Kazakhstan. The Przewalski horse was declared extinct in the wild from the 1960s up to the official assessment in 1996. The IUCN reassessed the species in 2008 due to at least one surviving mature individual in the wild, so this led to the classification of critically endangered. Due to successful reintroductions of captive-bred horses at zoos, the population in the wild is currently estimated to consist of more than 50 mature individuals free-living in the wild for the past seven years. This apparently allows for another upgrade on IUCN’s scale in 2011, and make it just endangered. The small population size and restricted range, make the wild Przewalski horse vulnerable for potential hybridization with domestic horses, loss of genetic diversity, and disease.

2000 -

Enhanced animal care and conservation efforts

In zoos and umbrella organisations on regional and global level, advancing technology and knowledge are taken into account in policies and budgeting. Money is used for hands-on research for developing better husbandry and care systems next to conservation projects on location for better understanding of the causes and consequences of the degradation of natural habitats on wildlife populations. The ultimate goal of research collaboration between zoos, research institutions and universities is to preserve the species at stake.

Enhanced visitor engagement

To get across the message of the current state of global and local nature, its biodiversity and measures needed to preserve or improve this, it is important that zoo visitors get the information in such a way that the message will stick. To enhance the educational outreach many zoos use mobile apps to inform the visitors and help them tour the zoo grounds. Zoos offer close encounters with the animals - via feeding sessions or via walk-through exhibits or other kind of immersive enclosure design - to make the experience of the zoo visit more impressive. However, current technology can enhance these experiences to another level. Zoos are experimenting with augmented reality and virtual reality to assist their educational efforts. Especially virtual reality, where people immerse in a fully digital world can create experiences beyond people’s imagination. It will trump the static signs at the enclosures with lots of text to read when it comes to the take-home message.

Zoos become important for global biodiversity strategies

By addressing biodiversity conservation via research and educational efforts, zoos become important players in the implementation of global biodiversity strategies. They contribute to the achievement of targets set by international agreements like the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By participating in these global efforts, zoos help to address critical issues such as habitat loss, climate change, and species extinction.




* Lazzaro, Claudia. (2019). Animals as Cultural Signs: Collecting Animals in Sixteenth-Century Medici Florence. 10.4324/9780429399671-32.

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about zoos and their mission regarding breeding endangered species, nature conservation, biodiversity and education, which at the same time relates to the evolution of species.

Goal: 7000 tigers in the wild

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"Tiger map" (CC BY 2.5) by Sanderson et al., 2006.

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    The role of the zoo in education and conservation
    Information
    published: 15 July 2024

  • World

    Hanoi Zoo
    Information
    published: 01 January 2019

  • Europe

    Sofia Zoo
    Information
    published: 21 December 2018

  • Europe

    Tallinn Zoological Gardens, Tallinna Loomaaed
    Information
    published: 05 December 2018