A Digital Exhibition on Zoo Exhibits in the United States: The Impact of Public Opinion on Post-Civil War Zoo and Animal Exhibit Development Within the United States
Date
2023-06-23
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Southern New Hampshire University
Abstract
This project explores the influence of public opinion on the development and evolution of
zoos and animal exhibits. The main focus will be on the “Big Four” - four oldest accredited zoos
in the United States: Philadelphia Zoo, Central Park Zoo in NYC, Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago,
and Roger Williams Park Zoo in Rhode Island. Four animal species will be examined to study
zoo and exhibit development since the end of the Civil War in 1865. The animal species are
elephants, orcas, red wolves, and timber rattlesnakes. These animal species provide historic
examples of positive and negative animal care and species outcomes within captivity.
Additionally, zoo and exhibit development progress will be supported with evidence directly
from numerous zookeepers’ personal experiences, detailed Keepers Corner in the digital
exhibition.
This project acknowledges that scientific and medical advancements have lent significant
changes to current zoo missions and exhibit design, yet research points to public opinions about
animal welfare having historically been the driving factor. The primary sources used are news
articles, photographs, and personal testimonials. Secondary sources include journal articles,
books, and dissertations. Source categories found focus on cultural, social and political lenses,
while acknowledging that other lenses are present in the research but addressing source
categories from the particular focal lenses.
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