Lecture 12a: The Future of Zoos

Question 1

Zoos in the Past

Answer 1

• Menageries
• Taxonomic

Question 2

Menageries

Answer 2

• Egypt and Mesopotamia
• this is how zoos first started out
• they would collect and trade animals

Question 3

Zoos in the present

Answer 3

• thematic (TZ is arranged geographically)
• science and conservation

Question 4

Identify the four steps that the textbook outlines as actions that modern zoos need to take
to improve their impact in the future

Answer 4

1. Confirm zoo identity
2. Re-think management strategies
3. decide on conservation approach
4. review conservation breeding approach

Question 5

Opposing Ideas

Answer 5

• direct vs indirect conservation
• conservation vs entertainment
• academic vs applied science
• competing motivations of partner institutions
• conservation vs corporate efficiency
• antiquated policies vs future-focused goals
• stated goals vs actual performance

Question 6

Direct vs indirect conservation

Answer 6

head-starting the BL is direct
campaign for palm oil is indirect

Question 7

Conservation vs entertainment

Answer 7

When we are not clear about conservation efforts, it has an intended effect of showcasing it to be for entertainment (what else is it there for). This creates opponents - need self-reflection

Question 8

Academic and applied science

Answer 8

Otters are attracted to crab traps
They get stuck and cannot escape - some die
There is a company that wants to create a trap door that allows them to escape

Question 9

Future - Identity Summary

Answer 9

• proportion of direct and indirect science
• ongoing process of self-reflection
• proportion of academic and applied science

Question 10

Conservation vs corporate efficiency

Answer 10

traditional hierarchy is limited
Can’t run a not for profit using a management structure
This is mainly used for increasing as much revenue as possible
(use an ecosystem approach instead)

Question 11

Antiquated Policies vs future-focused goals

Answer 11

Policy is the staircase
Provide the framework and structure to act on conservation
Have these approaches to reach our goal
Approaches are our intermediate goals to reach our ultimate goals

Question 12

stated goals vs actual performance

Answer 12

• IMPACT is a way to make clear goals
• what impact or change we want to make?

Question 13

Impact: Open standards for the practice of conservation

Answer 13

desired future state of a conservation target

Question 14

Impact: PRISM evaluation toolkit

Answer 14

change in species status

Question 15

Future of zoos

Answer 15

• be active advocates
• put animal welfare at the centre of operation
• drive the narrative for our species
• plan for conservation impact
• live the mission, lead by example