For many animal lovers, zoos conjure images of depressed animals relentlessly pacing behind iron bars. But as attitudes have changed, so have the accommodations. As wildlife habitats across the planet have become more vulnerable, zoos have stepped up their work of preserving endangered species. Here are eight internationally respected zoos that are working to make life better for their residents — and their wild relatives.(Text: Katherine Butler)
San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is internationally known for its commitment to conservation, protection — and, yes, exhibition — of animals and plants throughout the world. Covering about 100 acres, the zoo contains more than 3,700 rare and endangered animals representing more than 650 species and subspecies. The zoo is also famous for its work with breeding endangered giant pandas. Along with a 1,800-acre Safari Park, the zoo offers a global conservation program known as The San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research. This organization works in preservation, gene banking and disease control for animals in the wild. The zoo also has an adoption program through which anyone can adopt an animal, supporting both efforts in the wild and the animals in the park.
Singapore Zoo
Formerly known as the Singapore Zoological Gardens, the Singapore Zoo first opened in 1973. It is world-famous for its open concept, where animals are separated from visitors only by wet or dry moats. However, glass still protects visitors from the zoo’s more carnivorous residents. The habitats are designed to resemble the animals’ natural habitats as much as possible. The zoo also supports several conservation programs, including breeding programs that have nurtured king cobras, white rhinos and orangutans. The zoo operates the Wildlife Reserves Singapore Conservation Fund, which works to protect natural habitats.
Chester Zoo
The Chester Zoo opened in 1931, thanks to the efforts of animal enthusiast George Mottershead. Mottershead first visited a Manchester zoo as a child in 1903, only to be horrified by the dank, dark conditions of the enclosures. The Chester Zoo was designed as a modern facility, inspired by the then-emerging European tradition of using moats to separate animals from visitors instead of bars, as well as extensive space for animal enclosures. Since Mottershead’s time, the zoo has maintained its commitment to animal welfare, which includes several programs in field conservation and breeding. Today, the 110-acre zoo includes award-winning gardens and more than 8,000 animals.
Tiergarten Schönbrunn
The world’s oldest zoo got its start in 1752, when Holy Roman Emperor Francis I ordered a royal menagerie to be built next to his summer palace in Vienna. While the Tiergarten Schönbrunn was partially destroyed by two world wars, parts of the zoo’s elegant 17th century architecture have survived the centuries. After an extensive renovation in the 1990s, the zoo is now home to more than 500 animal species, including endangered one-horned rhinoceroses and Siberian tigers. The Tiergarten Schönbrunn is a member of OZO, the Austrian Zoo Organization dedicated to conserving animal biodiversity and preserving natural habitats.
Taronga Zoo
The 52-acre Taronga Zoo opened in 1916, where it is now home to more than 2,600 animals and 340 species. In 2000, the zoo began a $250 million overhaul, part of which involved the controversial export of five Asian elephants from Thailand for a breeding program. In 2009, the zoo became famous as the location of Australia’s first live elephant birth. The Taronga Conversation Society Australia works to promote animal conversation, including several breeding programs. Recently, the zoo placed 500 zoo-bred Southern Corroboree frog eggs into the wild in the Kosciuszko National Park.
National Zoological Gardens of South Africa
This 210-acre zoo dates to 1899, housing the largest zoo in South Africa. The zoo is proud of the diversity of its residents, including “3,117 specimens of 209 mammal species, 1,358 specimens of 202 bird species, 3,871 specimens of 190 fish species, 388 specimens of 4 invertebrate species, 309 specimens of 93 reptile species, and 44 specimens of 7 amphibian species.” The zoo, which is a partner facility of the National Research Foundation, offers several programs designed to enrich the animals' existence, including sensory, social and cognitive stimulations, as well as feeding programs designed to stimulate the animals’ hunting, foraging and problem-solving skills.
Bronx Zoo
The Bronx Zoo first opened its doors in 1899 after Fordham University sold the land to the city on the condition that it be used for a zoo. Today, the zoo consists of 265 acres, making it one of the world’s largest metropolitan zoos. It is one of four institutions managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society and is home to more than 4,000 animals. The zoo has several animal-enrichment programs designed to facilitate the natural instincts of its residents. A member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the zoo works to maintain genetically distinct populations in zoos and in the wild.
Berlin Zoological Garden
This 85-acre zoo opened its doors in 1844, the first of its kind in Germany. Only 91 animals survived the destruction caused by World War II; however, the institute rose from the ashes to become one of the largest zoos in the world. It exhibits about 14,000 animals and 1,400 species. The zoo is also involved in several conservation programs, including collaborations with the Worldwide Fund for Nature in habitat preservation both in Europe and abroad, as well as the preservation of species like the short-necked giraffe and the giant panda.
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