So your director wants a farm in the zoo

Citation

Trent AM, Willette MM, Rasmussen JM, Treangen D. 2005. So your director wants a farm in the zoo. In Graffam W, Hellinga D, Maslanka M, Ward A, Eds. Proceedings of the Sixth Conference on Zoo and Wildlife Nutrition, AZA Nutrition Advisory Group, Omaha, NE.

Abstract

It seems that humans have always craved animal contact. Even at a zoo, a place designed for wild animals, visitors want and even expect to be able to touch an animal. Petting corrals, touch tanks, feeding stations, etc. are the most popular exhibits at a zoo, especially for families with young children. Contact areas can provide a valuable educational experience as well as satisfy visitors ever growing desire for entertainment. A farm in the zoo is often proposed to fulfill these needs. Zoos contemplating this type of exhibit need to consider a variety of issues including: goals and educational message; type of operation and the level of medical and management assistance required; protection of the public and the remainder of the zoo’s collection from infectious disease; and public perceptions.

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