Community Building and Global Conservation: The Emergent Role of Modern Zoological Parks

Animal husbandry for the purpose of collection and display has been pursued for thousands of years. In the last 80 years, the collection and display of wild animals has evolved from static sideshow to a professional specialty. Zoos worldwide claim to be leaders in wildlife conservation through direct practice and through public education, while critics claim that zoos are a voyeuristic enterprise built on novelty and profit. Using a case study approach and examples from American inner city and rural schools, this paper will analyze the debate and present an often neglected and unrecognized role of the modern zoo as a vehicle for social justice. Furthermore, the emerging roll of zoos in worldwide in situ conservation programs will be discussed.