Zoological Gardens

Zoos are collections of animals displayed in designed settings, typically open to the public. The earliest zoos were private menageries designed to demonstrate the wealth and influence of royalty. Some served as “libraries” of living things of great educational value to the scholarly elite, though many were merely meant for the amusement of those permitted access. Over time, the mission of modern zoological parks has evolved to a current focus on conservation, education, scientific research, and recreation. The emphasis on the conservation and educational mission of zoos in particular has led to a change in the way the zoo experience is presented to guests. Modern zoos take very seriously their role as conservation centers that inspire guests to take an active role in protecting wildlife and wild habitats (Myers et al. 2004).

Historically, learning at the zoo primarily meant transfer of knowledge from expert to guest, by acquisition of facts and figures about the animals on exhibit....