Zoos and Aquaria

Zoos and aquariums worldwide have been criticised by animal rights and animal welfare critics for the pace of reform. It can be argued that the distribution of change has been at best bimodal with many zoos achieving the highest professional standards while others languish in conditions resulting in coping at best and suffering at worst. Suffering should never be tolerated in accredited zoos, but we should also try to elevate quality of life standards so every exhibited species is able to thrive. The complex vision of modern zoological facilities requires attention to detail in conservation, education, ethics, science, technology and welfare. Our institutions must also hold the attention of an increasingly diverse audience of urban and rural visitors who expect exemplary zoo management. Naturalistic zoos and aquariums have evolved to meet the needs of both animals and human audiences. When we design and operate them properly, zoos and aquariums are a source of community pride, reflecting our strong commitment to advancing the standards and best practices of animal husbandry, welfare science, and conservation education. Here we review key historical developments as well as future priorities and considerations.