What makes a really good zoo?

Pleistocene891 said:
Berlin has world class exhibits? I’m not very familiar with European zoos, but based on the media gallery, Berlin looks like a “stamp collection” zoo.
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Both Berlin ZOO and TIERPARK have enclosures of international zoo historical importance and influence as well as an increasing number of modernized exhibits at least equivalent to what the best of the US zoos have to offer.
Maybe you should visit them to see for yourself; both zoos are always worth a trip.
 
Fallax said:
Seeing a zoo do something that makes it truly stand out from the rest [in a positive way].
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In a time where more and more zoos tend to look alike, that is indeed a very desirable feature. Especially when a zoo professional can use this to improve his zoo, too.
 
The highest standards of animal welfare in a well laid out and interesting collection with good education materials are the foundations of a really good zoo for me.

Then some partnership with charities or other activities that deal with / give time, money or expertise to conservation in the wild. Interesting and innovative exhibit design that allows for the animals to be on display as they choose or not.

Size of collection doesn't matter to me. Variety is interesting as are unusual species but I am also happy to see 'common' species kept well in well designed and maintained exhibits.
 
Nikola Chavkoski said:
Most beautifull zoos to me, are those set up in a natural surroundings outside a city, particularly new zoos build enterely on a green field and with as much as less use of concrete as possible,
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That was what zoos are most beautiful to me. Now on a more objective note, zoos that have statistical and historical success with breeding of animals of given species (example Howletts Zoo many bred gorillas), are realy good zoos. In particular, if the species is relatively rare in zoos and the host zoo took a role as a nursery for distribution of the species to other zoos (example San Diego Zoo with the koala).
I find proactive zoos, aiming to bring otherwise rare-in-a zoo animals, from their native countries, in this modern time, also like a realy good zoos (example Zurich Zoo with the koala or RSCC with the Malayan tiger).
 
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Batto said:
Both Berlin ZOO and TIERPARK have enclosures of international zoo historical importance and influence as well as an increasing number of modernized exhibits at least equivalent to what the best of the US zoos have to offer.
Maybe you should visit them to see for yourself; both zoos are always worth a trip.
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I have no doubt that the collection and historical structures are excellent at the Berlin zoo. However, I have yet to see any modernized exhibits that could compare to the best of Bronx, Omaha, or San Diego. But I haven't been to the zoo so I maybe I'm just misinformed by outdated media photos. What are the new modernized exhibits at the Berlin zoo?
 
Pleistocene891 said:
No reason to take such offense to my comment. My comment was only based on the Berlin zoos, not European zoos as a whole.
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Oh, I did not take offense; I just gave you a comprehensive reply to your claim. With a tiny little splash of personal critique of your attitude for the betterment of our future conversation added on top. ;)
 
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If a zoo looks visually stunning, the animals are in really well-made enclosures that suit their needs and there's a nice variety of creatures from classics to more unusual, that's what I'd personally consider "really good".

So, basically, what everyone else has already said.
 
To avoid repeating what everyone else has said, here’s something I look for in a great zoo: lots of different ways to see animals.
Outside, inside, over moats, through glass, in the dark, underwater, underground, meet them on their home turf (walkthrough aviaries and the like), have them swim beneath my feet or climb over my head, just give me that sweet, sweet variety!
 
tigris115 said:
So real talk...

When y'all visit a zoo, what makes it go from good to really good to great?

Like what has to be there to make you say "Damn, that was a great zoo experience"
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I don’t wanna be a broken record, so I’m gonna try to bring in some new things
Welfare is a huge one. Seeing happy, healthy animals immediately makes me love a zoo. Even more so when they’re getting creative enrichment. Good signage is always appreciated too! I don’t wanna toot the horn of Lincoln Park Zoo too much, but the life size interactive lion and polar bear signs with things like paw size, what their fat feels like, info about radio collars, etc is super engaging (and a clever way to keep guests interested even if the lions/polar bears aren’t out!) They also have a sign for the gorillas and chimp troops that show their name and a picture so you can identify them, as well as a little blurb about their personality. I feel like that really helps guest connect with them, and I’d love to see more zoos do that with more animals. While shoddy signage won’t make or break a zoo for me, it’ll definitely lose some points. Brookfield zoo is a lovely institution, but their signage is sometimes very bland (I even spotted some made in PowerPoint) and it loses that connection.
Layout is also a nice touch. Not just like “oh sub-Saharan African savannah animals here, southeast Asian animals here,” (although that isn’t something to ignore), but also considering how guests move about the zoo. I’ve seen this done well in smaller and larger institutions. In Lincoln Park Zoo, its sort of on a 8 shape, so you can loop around and its relatively straightforward to find things. You’re rarely unable to see an animal due to it’s compact size, and when you aren’t, it’s scenic and still an enjoyable walk. On the other end of the spectrum, North Carolina/Asheboro Zoo’s in betweens feel like you’re going on a nature hike. It has a LOT of non-exhibit/facility space, but the foliage and well maintained paths make it feel very immersive and enjoyable! I’ve also seen institutions where getting between, yet alone navigating the zoo could be awkward and often somewhat boring. Obviously you don’t need 24/7 stimulation, but it can get desolate and decrease guest engagement. A bit of attention to detail to how guests experience and interact with the animal exhibits but also the visit as a whole can go a long way
 
The quality of a great zoo, I find, is much like a bingo card; it’s the way lots of little elements come together that really make it complete, and no two are the same. Of course, as a self-proclaimed zoo nerd, I can go on about visitor flow, functional building aesthetics and how well a zoo fits into its landscape, but fundamentally it comes down to how well any given zoo is at being itself, at maintaining a high quality while possessing a sense of personality. For this reason I’m always drawn to those with a bit of history to them, or those with specific approaches to what animals make up their collection, or the overall theming of the zoo.
I love Chester’s huge size, truly diverse collection, heavy theming and history that gives it a diversity of exhibits, and at the same time I love Exmoor’s focus on rarities and design that blends around the edges into the surrounding countryside.
 
Good animal welfare is super important, of course.

Good species diversity, and having some of the lesser-known species. I enjoy a tiger or a giraffe as much as the next person, but it's super cool to see animals that aren't so ubiquitous.

High quality educational content and presentation. Providing both basic and advanced information for all types of visitors, as well as not being afraid to address more polarizing subjects like climate change and evolution.

Serious involvement in conservation efforts and research into wild populations.

I got to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium a few times last year and I love how they present the ocean as an inspiration to art and culture along with being scientifically interesting. They have relevant lines from poetry and literature on the walls, it's very nice.

Opportunities to see animals up close. I know this can't be guaranteed, but when the possibility is there, it's still exciting. Plus if a zoo has a lot of exhibits like this, you're bound to see at least one species up close!

Areas are nicely designed and with good ambiance. Feel it when you're walking through or just sitting and vibing. I especially like areas designed to be like a forest, makes me feel like I'm a real safari in another country, ha ha.

Higher quality food and gift shop options aren't required, but they are a nice bonus. Like, I love it when zoo gift shops sell things made specifically for their gift shop. Get me a good quality shirt with a cool design that was made just for the zoo. And I like it when the food options are higher quality, and more diverse than the usual chicken tenders and hamburgers fare.
 
TheImmigrant1 said:
I'd say immersion is the big one for me. Even some zoos with an amazing collection of species can be subpar if their exhibits are lackluster and unnatural looking. If I feel like I'm in a new world thanks to the scenery, architecture, and theming of an area the zoo has done its job. Examples like China or Teton Trek at the Memphis Zoo, Africa Rocks at San Diego, Expedition Peru at Nashville Zoo, and Range of the Jaguar are prime examples of this.
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I agree. I also feel that size is a major factor. Don't get me wrong there are some relatively small zoos that I really like, but overall larger zoos, measuring at least 100 acres or more, I feel provide a very special experience. As a kid, my family would visit the Bronx Zoo in NY. It measures around 200+ acres; I remember the long walks from between exhibits, surrounded by trees and foliage. The immersion for me was on another level. I also remember how much I looked forward to reaching 'Tiger Mountain', my favorite exhibit.
 
Interesting discussion! For me it would have to be:

1. Animal welfare in the broadest sense. Animals need to be happy and healthy, but I also like to see interesting enrichments, a green (or natural looking suited to the species) environment, and I think a place where animals can hide themselves from visitors during opening hours is an essential as well. A great plus for me as well is staff monitoring in walkthrough exibits.

2. Interesting mixed-species exhibits, I love seeing special interactions between different species of animals. I like the common safari combinations as much as any other person, but mixing other animals living together in the wild is interesting to see. Taking point 1 into account of course. I also like it when a zoo blends in the regional nature in their zoo or exhibits. (My home zoo just implemented breeding spaces for local snakes, recycling elephant manure. :))

3. On the subject of visitor experience: I like it when a zoo is green and natural looking. It makes me feel like I am blending into the exhibits and feel more part of the zoo experience (if this makes any sense to anyone.) I also like when I am not obligated to follow one set out route. After my first walkaround I like to hop around and visit species that were hiding when I came by, or just my general favourites. I also like finding the quiet spots of the zoo and getting away from all the humans at some point. ;) And a great plus for me is enough restroom and coffee-facilities.

4. Being surprised by something! A less common species, interesting enrichments, an interesting viewing point, learning something on animal conservation or nature I didn't know yet, or learning something about how the zoo contributes to scientific research. (Brownie points for carrying a book on the zoo's history or scientific research. :))

5. Elephants! Honestly, not seeing my very favourite animals makes me a bit sad ;) In the best case with a matriarchal family group and more than one youngster.
 
A good zoo does the following:
1) Puts conservation and animal welfare first
2) Provides quality education to guests
3) Minimises negative impact from guests on species
4) Funds conservation/research that enhances knowledge and protection in the wild
5) Treats animals, guests and staff adequately
6) Is clearly not a for-profit attraction
7) Puts in an effort to blend in with/conserve the local, native fauna & flora
8) Strives to be or is environmentally friendly/conscious
9) Works with other zoos of similar qualities to help conserve species as best as possible
 
Mac said:
A good zoo does the following:
1) Puts conservation and animal welfare first
2) Provides quality education to guests
3) Minimises negative impact from guests on species
4) Funds conservation/research that enhances knowledge and protection in the wild
5) Treats animals, guests and staff adequately
6) Is clearly not a for-profit attraction
7) Puts in an effort to blend in with/conserve the local, native fauna & flora
8) Strives to be or is environmentally friendly/conscious
9) Works with other zoos of similar qualities to help conserve species as best as possible
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And to provide the best positive experience on a personal level, it would ideally have friendly staff and good photography opportunities
 
I'd have to say when I think of a zoo standing out to me, are that they have:

- Natural and large exhibits (things that encourage natural behaviors)
- Large Variety of species
- Focus on conservation efforts for species in need and some common issues (i.e. palm oil and orangutans for instance)

Mainly looking at an exhibit that has space and a variety of enrichment in order to prevent stereotypical behaviors which are common in zoo settings.
 
A good amount of variety of animals, including at least one "non-conventional" one (even sall zoos can have a good variety if they focus on smaller species).
Up to date exhibits
Landscaping
Public transportation access (preferably close to a train station, but a bus stop works too).
Animals being well taken care of
Theming in mind
A solid gift shop
Good disability access (braille, sign language interpretation, wheelchair access)
Exhibits that allow for both good viewing and still take welfare in mind
 
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