Visit the Zoo Day is celebrated on December 27 each year. Although the origins of the day are unclear, we do know that the idea of the zoo stretches as far back as a couple of millennia.
The word ‘zoo’ is, in fact, the shortest way to refer to a zoological park or garden. Zoos are typically home to a range of species and function as protective shelters for the animals housed within them.
An early form of the zoo or zoological garden was called a ‘menagerie’. It is said to have been much smaller than the more modern zoo. The first iterations of zoos were private collections and acted as a show of power.
Excavators discovered remnants of a menagerie in Egypt, which they believe dates back to around 3500 B.C. Famous kings such as Alexander the Great of Greece, King Solomon of Israel, and King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylonia were known animal collectors from their respective times. Evidence of such zoos or collections of animals has also been found in places like China and Rome.
The first ‘modern’ zoo was built in 1793 in Paris, France. This idea of the modern and public zoo appears to have become popular in the 18th century, during the Age of Enlightenment, when science became more of a central pillar to society. Individuals wished to study animals, to better understand their anatomy and behavior, among other things.
The city of London also saw its first modern zoo being opened in 1828. Animals from the Tower of London menagerie were added to its collection in due course, with the zoo eventually opening to the public in 1847.
The focus of early modern zoos was not on functioning as natural habitats for the species housed in them. Instead, they were more like museums of living animals kept in small display areas.
Zoos today work towards educating and entertaining members of the public, while also furthering scientific research and promoting the conservation of species.
