Animal Exhibits

Zoos reflect the ever-evolving attitudes and beliefs of societies towards animals. Discuss with your students the concept of zoos as windows into the nuanced human relationship with nature. Prompts you might use to get them started are:

• What is the purpose of a zoo?
• And How have these purposes changed over time?

As a class or in small groups, research the origin and evolution of zoos, from ancient civilizations showcasing alluring creatures to modern conservation efforts. Explore questions like:

• Who was responsible for the establishment of early zoos?
• What societal values influenced the evolution of zoos?
• And How did Victorian menageries differ from the zoos of today?

Continue by exploring the ethical considerations of animal captivity and display, including the perspectives of zoo creators and curators, as well as the public, by asking questions like:

• How might these perspectives shape the way animals are exhibited?
• What emotions and thoughts do you think visitors experience when viewing zoo animals?

Invite students to create visual representations, such as drawings, collages or dioramas, depicting various historical zoo settings, highlighting their distinct characteristics. Ask volunteers to show-and-tell their artistic creations while sharing verbally what they learned during their research.

To support this unit, use the An Animal Tale Handout.