Zoo Book: The Evolution of Wildlife Conservation Centers

Looks at the history of zoos, describes their conservation function, and shows how they educate the public

YA-This delightful, unusual resource traces the changing psychology and mission of zoos from exhibiting animals in cages to launching massive, expensive campaigns to save endangered species. The behind-the-scenes account takes readers to an intimate world seldom seen by the visiting public. Specific animals and zoos are highlighted. The text is readable and is full of unusual facts and incidents, and the excellent full-color photographs are well labeled. There is much here that is not easily available elsewhere-information on organizations that protect animals, career guidance, a checklist of how to evaluate a zoo, dismal roadside shows, and addresses of model facilities.
Claudia Moore, W.T. Woodson High School, Fairfax, VA
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Today's zoo is a laboratory of species preservation. In May 1984, a horse gave birth to a zebra at the Louisville Zoo; later, bongo embryos were flown from Los Angeles to Cincinnati and implanted in an eland that produced healthy bongo babies. The Arabian oryx, extinct in the wild, has been bred in captivity and returned to its native habitat. In cooperation with the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA), Koebner ( Forgotten Animals ) here surveys the modern zoo, its goals and its achievements. After a brief history of zoos, menageries and traveling shows, she describes specific zoos and their specialities. She takes us inside, introducing zoo personnel and their duties and profiling several directors. Koebner discusses zoo design, the AZA's Species Survival Plan and new techniques for reproduction. Finally, she looks at field scientists and reintroduction in the wild. Accompanied by stunning color photos, this book is important reading for zoo aficionados.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Although Koebner has done her homework-her list of acknowledgments reads like a "who's who" of the zoo world-Zoo Book faces competition from Colin Tudge's Last Animals at the Zoo (LJ 3/1/ 92), Janine Benyus's Beastly Behaviors (LJ 9/1/92), Jake Page's Zoo: The Modern Ark (LJ 5/1/90), and Allen Nyhuis's The Zoo Book (LJ 5/1/94). While Zoo Book is enlivened by numerous full-color photographs, the text is average. Koebner has carefully written this book to foster appreciation for the development of zoos, conservation efforts, and humanity's attitude toward animals. Yet her first section, "Zoos Around the Continent," is sadly limited; interested parties will find Nyhuis's travel guide of greater value. She seems to have her facts straight when discussing zoo history and conservation efforts, so one wonders why she refers to the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums (AAZPA) as the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA). An optional purchase. (Index not seen.)-Edell Marie Schaefer, Brookfield P.L., Wis.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Some regard zoos as nothing more than prisons for animals, but Koebner, in cooperation with the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA), portrays them as humankind's last hope for saving certain endangered species. The best zoos are ecosystems unto themselves, she says, and "keeping solitary animals in tile cages surrounded by bars is no longer tolerated." Koebner gives the history of zoos and profiles the major ones; she describes the workings of zoos so that visitors will view them with renewed sympathy and insight. She describes breeding programs and preservation efforts that are carried out in the wild. Lavishly illustrated with color photographs of elephants, cranes, and snow leopards, Koebner's celebration of zoos should be popular with both children and adults. John Mort