Zoo Books

[snowleopard]

I am one of those zoo enthusiasts who purchases a large number of zoo books. There are some people on this forum who buy zero zoo books each year, while others have hundreds and even thousands of zoo-related memorabilia in their homes. There is literature that looks specifically at animals, publications from zoos in the form of semi-annual guidebooks (almost entirely a European phenomenon), zoo history books that usually are published at the time of an anniversary, and a range of zoo-related material can be found in the form of various publications. I thought that I'd start a thread looking specifically at books that are general guides to a multitude of zoos and aquariums.

I own all 19 of the following books and many of these are amidst my all-time favourite zoo-related publications.

American Zoo Guides: 10 books

America's Top 100 Zoos & Aquariums: The essential guide to America's most important zoological establishments (November 2019 - Tim Brown & Scott Richardson) - Features reviews of 80 zoos and 20 aquariums in a high-quality publication that is only available in hardcover and with more than 700 full-colour photos. There is a short addendum at the back featuring 20 specialist and smaller collections. 368 pages

Zoos of the Southwest (2014 - Fred Hood) - Features reviews of 17 zoos with important information listed at the front of each review and great photographs that accompany the long, detailed, often 14-page reviews. 244 pages

America's Best Zoos: A travel guide for fans and families (2008 - Allen W. Nyhuis & Jon Wassner) - Features reviews of "America's 60 best zoos" plus small paragraph reviews of an additional 37 zoos. There are 3-5 pages for each major review and black & white photos throughout. 306 pages

Window to the Sea: Behind the scenes at America's great public aquariums (2006 - John Grant and Ray Jones) - This book focuses on 4 aquariums in 4 long chapters: John G. Shedd, New England, Monterey Bay and Waikiki. At the back is an Appendix with a lot of information on an additional 40 American aquariums. 148 pages

Zoo: Profiles of 102 Zoos, Aquariums, and Wildlife Parks in the United States (1994 - Anthony D. Marshall) - Features reviews of 102 facilities but with zero photos. 318 pages

The Zoo Book: A Guide to America's Best (1994 - Allen W. Nyhuis) - Features reviews of "the top 53 U.S. zoos" with each facility receiving approximately 3 pages in the book. There are loads of other zoos listed as well, and the book has black & white photos. 278 pages

A Guide to American Zoos & Aquariums (1993 - Darcy & Robert Folzenlogen) - Features reviews of 173 facilities, although they all get only two pages or less. 324 pages

Aquariums: Windows to Nature (1993 - Leighton Taylor) - The first 120 pages of this large, glossy, hard-cover book is essentially an overall look at aquariums in general, with many references to specific aquaria across the globe. The last 40 pages acts as a directory for at least 200 aquariums, featuring short reviews of many North American facilities. Loads of colourful photos. 170 pages

Where the Animals Are: A Guide to the Best Zoos, Aquariums, and Wildlife Sanctuaries in North America (1992 - Tim O'Brien) - Features reviews of more than 250 zoos and aquariums and this book is quite comprehensive. However, most reviews are a single page and contain a single paragraph description and then basic facts about each facility. Zero photos but the occasional cartoon drawing. 302 pages

American Zoos (1992 - Steve Dale) - Features reviews of 18 of the best U.S. zoos. This large hardcover book has many terrific photos. 160 pages

British Zoo Guides: 2 books

The IZES Guide to British Zoos & Aquariums (2009 - Tim Brown) - Features 154 zoo reviews of an average of one-page each. Zero photos. 178 pages

The Penguin Guide to British Zoos (1970, revised slightly in 1971 - Geoffrey Schomberg) - Features reviews of over 80 British zoos with an average of 1-2 pages per review. Zero photos. 176 pages

European Zoo Guides: 5 books

Zooming in on Europe's Zoos: Sheridan's Guide to Europe's Zoos 2010-2025 (2016 - Anthony Sheridan) - Features 124 reviews with two pages on each zoo, although the first 174 pages is jam-packed with information on European zoos before the section on individual zoo profiles begins. The book is hardcover and contains many full-colour photos and zoo maps. 466 pages

What Zoos Can Do: The Leading Zoological Gardens of Europe 2010-2020 - Update 2013 (2013 - Anthony Sheridan) - Features 12 reviews in this full-colour book that acts as an addendum to the 2011 full-length Sheridan publication. 64 pages

Abenteuer Zoo: 600 Tierparks, Aquarien, und Reptilienhauser (2012 - Dirk Petzold and Silke Sorge) - Features a list of 600 zoos and aquariums between Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Entirely in German, which is unfortunate as the combination of eye-catching, full-colour photos and extensive reviews makes this book a worthy addition to any library. 450 pages

What Zoos Can Do: The Leading Zoological Gardens of Europe 2010-2020 (2011 - Anthony Sheridan) Features 80 reviews of the best zoos in Europe, with an average of 2-3 full-colour pages for each review. The publication contains plenty of other zoo-related information. 400 pages

Zoo- und Wildparkfuhrer: 100 Wild- und Safariparks Naturreservate und Zoos (1981 - An all-German guidebook, with full-colour photos and maps, that cover 100 zoos in the nation. 440 pages

World Zoo Guides: 2 books

Great Zoos of the World: Their origins and significance (1980 - Edited by Lord Zuckerman and with multiple authors) - Features 19 reviews of zoos across the globe, plus 5 specialist collections. Contains 32 pages of black & white photos. 232 pages

Animal Gardens (1967 - Emily Hahn) - Features a whirlwind tour of zoos from all over the world, with at least 30 zoos reviewed in a haphazard fashion. Black & white photos are spread throughout. 404 pages

Dear reader...how many of these books do you own?

I know a few serious zoo enthusiasts who probably own almost all of the 19 books, but if you are reading this and don't own any then now is the time to consider an investment in your zoological knowledge.

What books am I missing that specifically are guides to multiple zoos?

 

[TeaLovingDave]

many of these are amidst my all-time favourite zoo-related publications.

America's Top 100 Zoos & Aquariums: The essential guide to America's most important zoological establishments (November 2019 - Tim Brown & Scott Richardson)

Putting that one front and centre eh?

 

[TeaLovingDave]

Dear reader...how many of these books do you own?

I own:

Nyhuis 2008
Brown 2009
Sheridan 2011

However, I also own "equivalent" books to several of the other volumes you cite, including "Wildlife in Britain; A Guide to Natural Habitats, Safari Parks and Zoos", which is a 1976 book edited by Geoffrey Schomberg and Kenneth Williamson which draws heavily on the earlier Schomberg book, and which (unlike said volume) contains numerous photographs, and a number of German-language books from the Cold War era relating to zoological collections.

 

[Chlidonias]

However, I also own "equivalent" books to several of the other volumes you cite, including "Wildlife in Britain; A Guide to Natural Habitats, Safari Parks and Zoos", which is a 1976 book edited by Geoffrey Schomberg and Kenneth Williamson which draws heavily on the earlier Schomberg book

Much better is Anthony Smith's Animals On View.

 

[snowleopard]

Putting that one front and centre eh?

Reverse-chronological order mate!

That Schomberg/Williamson '76 book sounds interesting and I'd never heard of it before.

I think that if you already own the 2011 Sheridan book, then you'd enjoy the 2016 Sheridan publication. If zoo nerds can simply ignore the controversial few pages of 'zoo rankings', then the last Sheridan book (hardcover, glossy pages, full-colour photos, a wealth of zoo information) is fantastic.

 

[TeaLovingDave]

Much better is Anthony Smith's Animals On View.

I own that one too there isn't much between them in terms of quality in my opinion; I mostly cited the one I did because it was related to the volume already mentioned in the OP.

Reverse-chronological order mate!

I knew that but the joke was irresistible!

I think that if you already own the 2011 Sheridan book, then you'd enjoy the 2016 Sheridan publication. If zoo nerds can simply ignore the controversial few pages of 'zoo rankings', then the last Sheridan book (hardcover, glossy pages, full-colour photos, a wealth of zoo information) is fantastic.

I'll probably pick it up eventually - it's mostly the cost (which, given the similarity between volumes, is a bit steep), wealth of inaccuracies and the fact I'm not a fan of Sheridan which has delayed matters!

 

[Ned]

@snowleopard you might like Zoo Walkabout by Vincent Serventy

 

[Chlidonias]

a wealth of zoo information

wealth of inaccuracies

So, "A wealth of inaccurate zoo information".

That should be the subtitle on the cover...

 

[Ned]

It's many years since I read it but I just dug out my copy and had a quick look. There's only about three chapters on Australian zoos, the rest is a more general zoo book. I don't know how accurate the info is. I've no plan to reread it right now but there can't be many Australian zoo books...or is there?

 

[Shirokuma]

Just a point that Britain is part of Europe so it doesn’t really make sense to include books about British zoos separately.

 

[snowleopard]

Just a point that Britain is part of Europe so it doesn’t really make sense to include books about British zoos separately.

Are you sure about that? Here is my evidence:

 

[Shirokuma]

Are you sure about that? Here is my evidence:

How true!

Another book I have is ‘The Good Zoo Guide’ by John Ironmonger. Published in 1992 it claims to offer “the what, where, why and how of Britain’s best zoos and wildlife parks” and describes itself as “the first factual, critical and helpful account of British zoos and wildlife parks... fully up to date - covers the current crisis at London Zoo”.

 

[TinoPup]

What do you think of Eric Baratay's Zoo: A History of Zoological Gardens in the West, and Brunner's The Ocean at Home? I love the publisher's Animal series but haven't sprung for those two yet.

 

[snowleopard]

What do you think of Eric Baratay's Zoo: A History of Zoological Gardens in the West, and Brunner's The Ocean at Home? I love the publisher's Animal series but haven't sprung for those two yet.

The Eric Baratay book is a must-own and I love that publication. It has approximately 400 pages, well-written text and loads of historical photos. I highly recommend it, although it's more of an overview of various zoos and doesn't really line up with the other zoo books mentioned in this thread.

The Bernd Brunner aquarium book is one that I've not purchased as it is only 144 pages...but now that you have mentioned the book I am going to search it up on Amazon and I'll reconsider.

 

[Tim May]

The Penguin Guide to British Zoos (1970, revised slightly in 1971 - Geoffrey Schomberg) - Features reviews of over 80 British zoos with an average of 1-2 pages per review. Zero photos. 176 pages

Personally, I much prefer Geoffrey Schomberg's earlier book "British Zoos: A Study of Animals in Captivity" (1957).

Of course, since this volume is more than sixty years old, it is of historical interest only. Secondhand copies are not hard to find on-line and are well worth buying.

 

[Crowthorne]

From this list, I have:

Where the Animals Are: A Guide to the Best Zoos, Aquariums, and Wildlife Sanctuaries in North America (1992 - Tim O'Brien)

The IZES Guide to British Zoos & Aquariums (2009 - Tim Brown)

The Penguin Guide to British Zoos (1970, revised slightly in 1971 - Geoffrey Schomberg

Abenteuer Zoo: 600 Tierparks, Aquarien, und Reptilienhauser (2012 - Dirk Petzold and Silke Sorge)

Great Zoos of the World: Their origins and significance (1980 - Edited by Lord Zuckerman and with multiple authors)

Animal Gardens (1967 - Emily Hahn) (both versions 'Zoos' and 'Animal Gardens')


Interestingly, my copy of 'Where the Animals Are: A Guide to the Best Zoos, Aquariums, and Wildlife Sanctuaries in North America' has a sticker saying the book should not be removed from the library of the BBC Natural History Unit, Bristol

I've also got the Baratay book, one of the first 'proper' zoo books I got

 

[Arek]

From Snowleopard’s list I have 13 books, but I hope to get book No 1 before Christmas.

What could I add?

Poland:

Ogrody Zoologiczne i Parki Zwierząt, 2011, 48pages. A4 size, maps of all major zoos, many photos but nothing special in terms of content (published in the series Visiting Poland).

Czechoslovakia & Czechia:

Naše Zoo, 1952, 344p. Only Czechs zoos because there was no zoo in Slovakia at that time. Zoo maps and some b-w photos in book but mainly about animals that could be found in the Czech zoos of this time.

L. J. Dobroruka: Zoologické Zahrady,1989, 204p + insert with color photos. Pocket book, but very good with schematic maps of all 15 zoos and many b-w photos.

M. Fokt, Zoologické Zahrady České Republiky a Okolnych Zemí, 398p. Nice book full of practical information about 21 zoos in Czechia and a lot of zoos near to Czech border in Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Germany and Poland. A lot of color pictures. Something like to „Abenteuer Zoo”.

Switzerland:

A. Barkhausen , F. Geiser: Tierparks der Schweiz, 2001, 248p. Very good book. Practical information and accurate description of 87 zoo collections. Many color pictures.

Germany (except those already mentioned):

K. Lemke: Tiergärten. Zoos, Aquarien, Wildgehege, 1985, 272p. Fine book about 112 animal collection in GDR (East Germany). Practical information and accurate description of all zoos (plus a lot of photos and map of almost every zoo).

M. Mosig: Tiergärten der Deutschen Demokratischen Republik, 1987, 48p. Another book about GDR zoos, this time very thin. 13 zoos, 3 pages for every zoo plus some general information (how cheap were tickets then – 1 Mark to Berlin or Leipzig ).

Wegweiser Vogel- und Tierpark, Wildgehege, Naherholungszentren im Verbandsbereich, 198, 176p. About small and medium size collections in south-west Germany, mainly in Baden.

A. Wilms: Zoo-Führer NRW, 2006 , 176p. Precise description of 26 zoos in Nordrhein-Westfalen. Practical information and many, many color photos (4 to 8 pages for each zoo).

Zoos und Aquarien in Deutschland, Österreich und in der Schweiz, 1974, 48p.
U. Gerold , W. Hänel: Zoos und Tierparks in Deutschland, 2009, 64p. Two small books with basic information about 31 and 28 zoos respectively. Many pictures in older black-white, in second color.

P. Dollinger (schriftleiter) Gärten für Tiere. Erlebnisse für Menschen. Die Zoologischen Gärten des VDZ, 2012, 216p. Great book published on the 125th anniversary of the Association of German Zoo Directors. In first part history and general information, in second – description of 62 zoos, two pages for each, zoo maps and lots of photos.

More books soon.

 

[Arek]

Some more books

Sweden:

J. Wahlström , C. Ollén: En Resa i Sveriges Djurparker, 1998, 176p. Description of 19 zoos (5 to 10 pages per zoo). Few practical information, a lot of pictures.

Netherlands and Belgium:

J. Willems: Moderne Dierentuinen in Nederland en België, 1981, 144p. A4 size book, full of b-w and color photos. At the end 10 pages of practical information about zoos in both countries.

J. Balk: Shell-journaal van Nederlandse Dierentuinen, 1982, 128p. Pocket book. Some about zoos history and articles about several Dutch zoos. Mainly b-w pictures.

R. Rook: Prisma Dierentuinen Gids, 1983, 136p. Another pocket book. Review of Dutch and Flemish zoos and articles about animals keeping there. No pictures, text only.

Dierentuinenin en Rond Nederland, 1997, 96p. Review of 13 Dutch zoos. Zoo maps, many pictures. 10 pages of practical information about zoos in Netherlands and neighboring countries.

 

[Shirokuma]

P. Dollinger (schriftleiter) Gärten für Tiere. Erlebnisse für Menschen. Die Zoologischen Gärten des VDZ, 2012, 216p. Great book published on the 125th anniversary of the Association of German Zoo Directors. In first part history and general information, in second – description of 62 zoos, two pages for each, zoo maps and lots of photos.

I have this one too. Even though you can find maps online these days it’s nice to have a book with lots of zoo maps.

I just started ‘The Zookeepers’ War’. It’s very interesting and I’ve been looking forward to it but I don’t love the translation so far.

 

[Arek]

And some more books:

United Kingdom:

Almost all the British books I have have already been mentioned. I can add only one.
K. Bergamar: Zoos, Bird Gardens & Animal Collections in Great Britain & Eire, 1969, 72p. Tiny book, very short practical information about 120 zoological collection. Several b-w photos.

France:

M. Jouve , P. Osusky: La France et ses animaux. Reserves, Aquariums, Zoos, 1961, 156p. Pocket book. Short description of 70 zoos and nature reserves plus several b-w photos.

Aquariums, Zoos, Parcs Animaliers en France, 240p. Practical information and short description of many animal collections. Much color pictures. France’s answer to Abenteuer Zoo”. Edited probably every year, I have versions from 2014 and 2015.

Russia:

W. W. Spicyn (editor): Sprawocznik po Zooparkam, 2008, 102p. Review of EARAZA zoos (48 including 27 in Russia). Two pages for every zoo: some statistics, short description, picture and map.

United States:

I can only add two books.
A. Ruff: Texas Zoos & Animal Parks, 1990, 158p. Practical information and description of 25 zoo collections in Texas and 9 across the border (2 to 9 pages per zoo). No pictures, text only.

A. Bailey: Michigan Zoos and Animal Parks, 1992, 160p. Again, practical information and description of 58 zoo collections in Michigan. Almost text only, contains small insert of 16 b-w photos.

I don’t know if Wisconsin state has this kind of book.