22.1 Learning Objectives

1. to be able to describe and discuss the future role of Zoos in Wildlife Conservation

2. to be able to gain an understanding on how we should proceed to ensure that the future role of zoos  as we perceive them are realized;

3. to be able to describe the dilemma which faces mankind with respect to the future of Wildlife.

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22.2 How is this Unit Organized?

This unit is a very short one as its mainly outlines a suggested future role for zoos and recommends  that you complete  the suggested readings. It is hoped that you could develop as well, your own informed position on the future role of  zoos, taking into consideration the future needs of your society, the other societies of the world and that of mankind invgeneral.

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22.3 The Future Role of Zoos

 

The Present Main Roles

• Conservation
• Recreation
• Education
• Research

 

Additional Roles

• Botanical Collections
• Frozen Zoos and Embryo Collections

 

Future Additional Roles

• Endangered Population Monitoring
• Animal Multiplication and Commercialization
• Breeding of New Hybrid Species

 

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22.4 How should we proceed?

• Improve Linkage of Zoos with Universities, Research Institutes in Food and Agriculture and Commercial food (Livestock ) production companies;
• Zoo Personnel Improvement to meet the changing needs;
• General Emphasis on the Role of the Modern Zoo as a Business.

 

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22.5 Suggested Follow-up Readings

• Benirschke, K (1991): Zoo Research in the World Wide Effort.  AA ZPA 1991 Annual Conference Proceedings, pp 66-71.
• Benirschke, K. (1983): The Impact of Research on the Propagation of Endangered Species in Zoos.  Chapter 24 in “Genetics and Conservation: A Reference for Managing Wild Animals and Plant Populations”.  Editors C. M. Schonewalk-Cox, S. M. Chambers, B. MacBryde and W. L. Thomas.  The Benjamin/Cummings Publishing Co. Inc., California USA, pp 402-413.
• Benirschke, K. (1987) : The Mandate for Research in Zoos.  Inter-disciplinary Sciences Reviews Vol. 12, No. 1 pp 9-22.
• Hutchins, M. and Conway, W.G.( 1995): Beyond Noah’s Ark: the evolving role of modern zoological parks and aquariums in field conservation.  1994 International Zoo Yearbook, Volume 34, pp117-130
• Maitland, P.S.  ( 1995): The role of zoos and public  aquariums in fish conservation. 1994 International Zoo Yearbook, Volume 34, pp 6-14
• Woodside, D.P. and Kelly, J.D. (1995): The development of local, national and international Zoo-Based Educational Programs. 1994 International Zoo Yearbook, Volume 34, pp 231-246

 

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