Zoo and Aquarium History: Ancient Animal Collections to Conservation Centers

Wild animals have been housed in zoos and aquariums for 5,000 years, and this second edition of Zoo and Aquarium History explores the transition from private collections to menageries, zoos, zoological gardens, conservation centers, and sanctuaries. It documents the continuum of efforts in maintaining wild animal collections and features regional information, a chronological listing of zoos and aquariums, and never-before-published photographs.

Format: Hardback
Length: 431 pages
Publication date: 06 June 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

For thousands of years, wild animals have been confined to zoos and aquariums, captivating people across nearly every society. Today, these institutions have reached a significant milestone in their history. This second edition of Zoo and Aquarium History takes readers on a captivating journey through the evolution of private collections, menageries, zoos, zoological gardens, and more recently, conservation centers and sanctuaries.

Under the guidance of Vernon N. Kisling, a renowned expert in zoo history, an international team of authors has meticulously revised and updated the sole comprehensive, global history of animal collections, menageries, zoos, and aquariums. The resulting book chronicles the enduring efforts to preserve wild animal collections from ancient civilizations to the present, elucidating how modern zoos have formulated their mission statements around the fundamental objectives of conservation, education, research, and recreation. This new edition brings together regional information, including new chapters on zoological gardens in Canada, Latin America, China, Israel, the Middle East, and New Zealand, along with the cultural nuances of each region to serve as a solid foundation for future research. It presents a chronological directory of the world's zoos and aquariums, featuring numerous previously unpublished photographs. Sidebars offer supplementary insights on notable personalities, significant events, and pressing wildlife conservation issues. The original Appendix has been expanded to encompass over 1,200 zoos and aquariums, offering a valuable resource.

This is an extensive, chronological introduction to the subject, highlighting the published and archival resources for those seeking to delve deeper.

Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032252797
Edition number: 2 ed