Who Does not Love The Zoo?
This is something wonderful about your first trip to the zoo. Many people in large metropolitan areas have never had the opportunity to see animals in the wild. Some children have only seen cows, chickens or even pigs in pictures so the idea of a trip to the zoo is fascinating. Even as adults going to a zoo can be a great experience. But have you ever given much thought as to how a zoo is run or how they acquire their animals? And what makes the difference between a bad zoo and a good zoo? It seems that there are more to zoos than meets the eye. This article will address some of those basic questions. Before you know it, you will be making a trip to a local zoo just to see new and exotic species of animals.
What are zoos?
A zoo is an area that is protected to house various species of animals. It can be a free range zoo where the animals are left in habitats similar to their own and visitors simply drive through the park to see the animals in the wild. Or it can be a confined zoo where animals are held in pens for visitors to see. Both have their merits and also have their downfalls. But zoos are a constant source of delight for people to see new and exotic animals that they may never get the chance to see in real life. It is also a fantastic learning opportunity for young and old alike as most zoos have an information chart beside each exhibit that gives facts about the animal.
How do zoos get their animals?
In the past a zoo had to rely on trapping animals in order to fill their exhibits but times have changed thankfully. Today’s zoo most likely gets its animals from another zoo through a breeding program. That zoo may be overcrowded or be simply shutting down and so they have to find homes for their animals. Zoos also breed their own animals. This is the most cost effective way to populate the zoo. One other source is wounded or orphaned animals found in the wild. The animal would not survive on its own so it is given to a zoo to nurse back to health or to raise and is then given a permanent home at that zoo.
How do zoos help endangered animals?
Mankind has been key in helping put many animals on the endangered species act. So to help keep these animals alive many zoos will breed and house these animals to prevent their extinction. Some zoos will release a portion of the offspring back into the wild if that is what is best for the animal and the animal’s native environment is still intact. This is particularly great if the zoo has a great breeding program. A good example of an endangered species that zoos can help is the panda. The panda is extremely endangered due to mankind encroaching upon their habitat and through poaching. The more pandas that can be bred and grown in captivity before being released, the better chance the species has for staying alive.
Are there any free zoos in the United States?
Yes, there are zoos that are free in the United States. Two zoos stand out among the crowd. These are the Lincoln Park Zoo and the St. Louis Zoo. While it is true that a zoo does get a lot of its funding from charging admission, these two are funded by local corporations. In St. Louis the zoo is funded by Anheuser Bush Brewing Company. You do still have to pay for parking but that is a small price to pay.
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