As one of the world's most popular cultural activities, wild animal collections have been attracting visitors for 5,000 years. Under the direction of Vernon N. Kisling, an expert in zoo history, an international team of authors has compiled the first comprehensive, global history of animal collections, menageries, zoos, and aquariums. Zoo and Aquar
"A well-written and provocative, opinion-rich account of zoos, their history, and their goals and purposes. Hancocks has earned the right to speak authoritatively about these subjects, thanks to his tenure as director of two leading U. S. zoos. This book will appeal to general readers and to all persons interested in zoos and their role in conservation and education."—John Alcock, author of Animal Behavior: An Evolutionary Approach "Giraffes, elephants, gorillas, snakes, and toucans respond poorly to the usual conventions of human architecture. Zoo architects usually respond no less poorly to the needs of animals. David Hancocks draws on a lifetime's experience working as a zoo director and zoo architect to explore this dilemma, and offers a compelling vision for the future. This is an important book for those interested in conservation as well as for zoo and museum buffs."—William Conway, former President and General Director of the Wildlife Conservation Society and the Bronx Zoo "For over two decades David Hancocks has fervently tried to reform the fundamental character and mission of zoos. This book is his most thorough analysis of what is wrong with them and his most detailed and compelling plea for improvement. Every conscientious zoo administrator, curator, and keeper should read it from cover to cover with an open mind. Professionals in botanical gardens, museums, and nature parks should also consider this treatise because Hancocks advocates that a fusion of all of these institutions into a new entity better positioned to interpret the entire biosphere."-Mark A. Dimmitt, Director of Natural History, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
"By the late nineteenth century, Hagenbeck had emerged as the world's undisputed leader in the capture and transport of exotic animals. His business included procuring and exhibiting indigenous peoples in highly profitable spectacles throughout Europe and training exotic animals - humanely, Hagenbeck advertised - for circuses around the world.
"A Natural History of the Sonoran Desert provides the most complete collection of Sonoran Desert natural history information ever compiled and is a perfect introduction to this biologically rich desert of North America."--BOOK JACKET.
It is widely known that such Western institutions as the museum, the university, and the penitentiary shaped Japan’s emergence as a modern nation-state. Less commonly recognized is the role played by the distinctly hybrid institution—at once museum, laboratory, and prison—of the zoological garden. In this eye-opening study of Japan’s first modern zoo, Tokyo’s Ueno Imperial Zoological Gardens, opened in 1882, Ian Jared Miller offers a refreshingly unconventional narrative of Japan’s rapid modernization and changing relationship with the natural world. As the first zoological garden in the world not built under the sway of a Western imperial regime, the Ueno Zoo served not only as a staple attraction in the nation’s capital—an institutional marker of national accomplishment—but also as a site for the propagation of a new “natural” order that was scientifically verifiable and evolutionarily foreordained. As the Japanese empire grew, Ueno became one of the primary sites of imperialist spectacle, a microcosm of the empire that could be traveled in the course of a single day. The meaning of the zoo would change over the course of Imperial Japan’s unraveling and subsequent Allied occupation. Today it remains one of Japan’s most frequently visited places. But instead of empire in its classic political sense, it now bespeaks the ambivalent dominion of the human species over the natural environment, harkening back to its imperial roots even as it asks us to question our exploitation of the planet’s resources.
Illustrated with nearly 100 photographs, New Worlds, New Animals gives readers a new respect for and understanding of the role of zoos in social and cultural history.
Explore the captivating legacy of Europe's zoological gardens with C. V. A. Peel's definitive guide, "The Zoological Gardens of Europe: Their History and Chief Features," a comprehensive journey into the evolution, significance, and conservation efforts of these iconic institutions. Join C. V. A. Peel as he unveils the rich tapestry of Europe's most esteemed zoological gardens, tracing their origins from early menageries to modern-day centers of conservation and education. This meticulously researched book offers an in-depth exploration of each garden's unique history, architectural marvels, and pivotal role in global biodiversity conservation. Discover the architectural splendor and naturalistic habitats that house a diverse array of species, from majestic big cats to rare primates and exotic birds. Peel's narrative transports readers through time and space, highlighting the gardens' contributions to scientific research, public awareness, and the preservation of endangered wildlife. Themes of environmental stewardship, animal welfare, and public engagement resonate throughout Peel's narrative, showcasing how these institutions have evolved from mere displays of exotic animals to crucial hubs of conservation and education. His passionate advocacy for wildlife protection and sustainability underscores the urgent need for global action in safeguarding our planet's natural heritage. The tone of the book is both informative and reverent, celebrating the achievements of European zoological gardens while addressing contemporary challenges such as habitat loss and species extinction. Peel's eloquent prose and deep knowledge make this book essential reading for anyone interested in wildlife conservation, cultural history, and the intersection of human and animal coexistence. Highly regarded for its scholarly rigor and narrative depth, "The Zoological Gardens of Europe" offers a compelling narrative that will resonate with conservationists, educators, and animal lovers alike. Peel's meticulous research and compelling storytelling make this book a definitive resource on the past, present, and future of Europe's zoological heritage. Whether you're fascinated by biodiversity, intrigued by architectural design, or passionate about environmental conservation, "The Zoological Gardens of Europe" invites you on a captivating journey through centuries of dedication to wildlife preservation and public education. Immerse yourself in the wonders of these remarkable gardens and discover their enduring impact on our understanding of the natural world. Don't miss your opportunity to delve into the cultural and conservation legacy of Europe's zoological gardens. Pick up a copy of "The Zoological Gardens of Europe: Their History and Chief Features" by C. V. A. Peel today and embark on a fascinating exploration of these extraordinary institutions.