Confronting back-of-house traditions: Primates as a case study
This review commentary focuses on traditional management practices and facility design with suggested improvements in non-public primate management areas, often called “back-of-house”, (henceforth BOH) in zoos, sanctuaries, and research facilities. Progress has been made toward improving animal quality of life in larger, more naturalistic, and enriched indoor and outdoor display areas. However, the quality of […]
A design approach to zoological exhibits: The zoo as theater
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1430080513.abs The purpose of this paper is to present a unique exhibit design approach that is capable of contributing to the conservation of endangered primates. The approach recognizes the need to link the animal’s plight to its environmental context, including its natural habitat and the cultural and economic influences of man. The basis of […]
Homage to Niko Tinbergen and Konrad Lorenz: Is classical ethology relevant to zoos?
Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1430080302.abs A personal account of the impact of the founders of ethology is presented. Niko Tinbergen and Konrad Lorenz profoundly affected the attitudes of people toward animals, showing people, for the first time, the sophistication of animal behavior. Also presented is a personal memoir of working with Tinbergen, and speculation on how zoos might […]
An animal-as-client (AAC) theory for zoo exhibit design
The design of zoo exhibits has traditionally focused on the needs of humans. More recently, the needs of animals displayed in zoo exhibits have become a focus. However, there is no theory that describes how designers might consider animal needs, and how these needs might be interpreted in the design process. An animal-as-client (AAC) theory […]