Elizabeth R. (esjro) -
My first job as a teenager was at a zoo, so I've always been interested in zoos. I love going to see the animals at zoos where the animals are health, not stressed and well cared for, and I loathe zoos that do not meet those criteria, so I was very interested in reading this book by a long time zoo veterinarian.
This book was published by an academic press, but it is written in an accessible style and there are lots of photos. It opens with a history of veterinary care in zoos (early zoos were resistent to veterinarians), and then goes on to describe aspects of zoo operations such as feeding, captive breeding, habitat design, and even some stories about quirky zoo visitors.
I particularly appreciate the authors acknowledgement of the concerns many people have about zoos, and his discussion of animal rights versus animal welfare. Although published in 2007 it does not feel dated, as his argument that resisting extremes and instead finding common ground will result in the best outcomes for the animals is still true today.
This book was published by an academic press, but it is written in an accessible style and there are lots of photos. It opens with a history of veterinary care in zoos (early zoos were resistent to veterinarians), and then goes on to describe aspects of zoo operations such as feeding, captive breeding, habitat design, and even some stories about quirky zoo visitors.
I particularly appreciate the authors acknowledgement of the concerns many people have about zoos, and his discussion of animal rights versus animal welfare. Although published in 2007 it does not feel dated, as his argument that resisting extremes and instead finding common ground will result in the best outcomes for the animals is still true today.
