Zoos and Conservation

 The role of the zoo has evolved to prioritize research, education, and conservation  Some people still condemn the existence of zoos based on zoo’s past life of pure entertainment but much progress has been made since the 1800’s  The field of animal research benefits from zoo experience.  Zoo keepers, researchers, and vets have learned a lots animal care as zoos evolved.  Improvements in husbandry have led to increased quality of life and longevity of animals in captivity. Zoos improving over time

 Zoos have an essential role in conservation.  Zoos have their own breeding programs to help in cases of vanishing populations.  Zoos have become places of rigorous scientific research.  They make an active effort not just to preserve endangered species in captivity but to understand, save, and replenish unique natural habitats. Zoos and Conservation

 A study at Edinburgh Zoo found that the presence of researchers in the zoo experience improved visitors’ learning.  Zoo Atlanta conducted research to measure the impact of animal demonstrations and interpreters.  This study found that visitors retained far more information with demos and staff interaction rather than passive ‘walk-throughs’.  Animal demonstrations are opportunities for mental stimulation and vet care. (You can’t force a 500 lb marine animal to roll over to ultrasound their abdomen)  Zoos represent a great opportunity for science education and for spreading a message of conservation.  Zoos are an affective connection with animals greatly helps conservation.  Visitors see animals as individuals with personalities which impacts their emotions and have a greater likelihood to want to protect them. Do Zoos actually educate?

ZOOCHECK CANADA  Zoocheck is a national animal protection charity established in 1984 to promote and protect the interests and well-being of wild animals. Zoocheck  Zoocheck believes that most zoo exhibits are undersized, artificial and inadequate.  There two most recent campaign actions are working on elephants at Toronto Zoo and whales at Marineland.Toronto Zoo Marineland Keeping Zoos in check

 The Toronto Zoo hosts an Animal Health Centre, a Reproductive Physiology unit consisting of the Endocrinology Lab and Gamete Biology Lab.  In 1974, Toronto Zoo was the first zoo in North America to employ a full-time nutritionist.  The Animal Nutrition Centre (ANC) has developed balanced diets to ensure the optimal health and wellbeing of a wide variety of species.  Toronto Zoo participates in many captive breeding and re- introduction programs like with the Black-Footed Ferret and Puerto Rican Crested Toad. Toronto Zoo  Can Toronto Zoo and the rest REALLY make a difference in to the IUCN Red List which in July 2013 painted a bleak future for the biodiversity of Earth. Nearly 21,000 species are now facing extinction - 4,807 more than 2012? It is really not clear yet. Our Local– The Toronto Zoo