A zoo is a place dedicated to the breeding and care of animals for public display.
In order to fully enter into the definition of the term zoo , we are going to begin by establishing its etymological origin. In this case, we have to emphasize that it derives from Greek, more specifically from the sum of the following components:
-The noun zoo , which can be translated as "animal."
-The word logos , which means "study."
-The suffix -ikos , which is equivalent to "relative to."
What is a zoo
Zoo is an adjective used to name anything linked to zoology , which is the science dedicated to studying animals. The term, however, is usually used as a noun to name the zoo (also known as the zoological garden ).
In this sense, a zoo is a space where animals are raised and cared for to exhibit them to the public. These venues combine leisure with education , as they usually aim to entertain and, at the same time, educate visitors . Also, when they are in private hands, they seek economic gain for their operation.
Zoos usually fulfill a function linked to the conservation of species and education.
Historical development
There are more than a thousand zoos around the world . The first modern establishment of this type was the Vienna Zoo , opened in the mid- 18th century . Until then, private collections of animals existed, usually created by monarchs.
From that time on, zoos multiplied, although their characteristics changed over the years. For a long time, animals were locked in cages . Then, thanks to greater awareness of animal rights and the need to avoid cruelty, zoos began to try to reproduce the natural habitat of each species, as a way to provide greater well-being to captive specimens.
Zoos around the world
At this time we can say that among the most important zoos in the world, by animal variety, uniqueness or extension, are the following:
– Moscow Zoo . It was put into operation in the second half of the 19th century and is considered one of the oldest on the entire European continent. It has about 21 hectares and has more than 1,000 different species.
– Singapore Zoo . It has a total of 28 hectares and its particularity is that it recreates each and every one of the habitats of the animals it houses. Hence, whoever visits it can see in situ both deserts and jungles passing through steppes. Currently it has just over 315 different animal species.
– Henry Doorly Zoo . This other zoo is located in Omaha , United States , and is considered the largest on the planet both due to its dimensions, 56 hectares, and because it houses around 960 different species. Not to mention that another unique feature it has is the largest cat area.
To this list we should also add the Beijing Zoo and the Bronx Zoo.
animal activism
Currently there is a strong movement demanding the closure of all zoos and the return of animals to their natural state for ethical reasons, because it is considered that no species should live deprived of its freedom .
There are also groups that, however, still defend these places for their contribution to the protection of endangered species .