Thanks for the support NZ Jeremy, Snowleopard, Sun Wukong, and Patrick.
I’m actually finding out a lot more about some of my own views by writing these replies. Since initially posting this thread my opinion that Zoos should exhibit more smaller animals has strengthened (which I don’t think was implicit or at least wasn’t originally meant to be apparent). I am no longer mainly interested in small and medium mammals, birds, fish and amphibians. Now, I believe that all the principles supporting their increased exhibition apply very strongly to invertebrates as well. The Tama Zoo, in particular, provides a strong argument for this.
BTW tell me what you think about the somewhat superfluous history
Since 1966 the Tama Zoo, in Japan has had large exhibits of insects (Minoru Yajima 1990). In the beginning the majority of this space was devoted to grasshoppers which were kept primarily to feed birds and mammals. Over the years the popularity of their insect displays increased and they continued to add exhibit space.
To celebrate their 30th anniversary the Zoo built a new insectarium called “Insect Ecological Land”. This complex spans 2,480 square metres of floor space. That space would be insufficient by WAZA standards for a herd of 3 female elephants with their young. In that space at Tama Zoo 94 insects (54,837 individuals), 10 colonies of bees and ants, and 20 species of frogs, lizards, spiders, and scorpions (2,000 individuals) are housed comfortably. The majority of the species could likely sustain their own genetically diverse populations without the need for extensive reproductive management if additionally founders were introduced regularly.
An important feature of this exhibit complex is the central walk-through 1140 square metre “insectopia”. Live plants grow under a ceiling that reaches up to 16m high in 17 different habitats. Nothing separates the insects from the visitors which allow interactive experiences that are impossible with large mammals except in a heavily controlled setting. The insects are prsevented from escaping by gusts of air.
In the wings of the “Insect Ecological Land” visitors can view butterfly propagation areas where over 60 individuals emerge per day. There are also nocturnal displays of bioluminescent species. A mini-theatre for lectures, videos, and interactive displays complete the experience.
Tough importation laws in Japan prohibit the importation of herbivorous or omnivorous insects. As such the “Insect Ecological Land” is comprised mainly of native species. Considering the beauty and diversity of tropical insects a country with less stringent controls has the potential to create a more interesting and potentially captivating insect exhibit.
In 1988, the year of the “Insect Ecological Lands” opening, attendance swelled by 20%. This figure is all the more impressive considering that in 1990 the Zoo had attendance of 1.4 million and that prior to this opening they already had a butterfly house, grasshopper greenhouse, and 1104 square metre main insect building.
“Insect Ecological Lands” cost the equivalent of only 5.133 million US dollars. If you generously double this cost for inflation and presume the construction costs would be double in America (I have no idea if they actually would be) you still have an exhibit that is half the cost of the proposed elephant exhibit at the Los Angelos Zoo.
Before this exhibit opening the first exhibit viewers saw was monkey island (29%), followed by koalas (23%), lions (12%), and insects (10%). After “Insect Ecological Lands” opened the second highest percentage (23%) of visitors started their day at the Zoo at this exhibit. Visitor traffic was altered so much that design of service features of the surrounding area, like gift shops, was reviewed.
Interest in insect displays is not limited to Japan. Visitors to the Bronx Zoo in New York have also demonstrated strong interest in invertebrate displays that prove “…People are fascinated with and ready to see and learn about these amazing animals” (Paul Zabarauskus and Frank InDiviglio 1990). Insects in the Jungle World at the Bronx Zoo elicited visitor responses of disbelief, bewilderment, fright, and amazement. Find the Bug created congregations of visitors.
Additionally, to again quote Paul Zabarauskus and Frank InDiviglio (1990), “Invertebrates create enormous educational opportunities on a seemingly endless list of topics and are instrumental in bringing awareness to the plight of the rainforests and promoting conservation”.
Controlled environments, division of space, and a wide range of equipment utilities are required for some invertebrates, even considering these costs most invertebrate displays are still relatively cheap to build, manage and maintain (Kelly P. Pearce et al. 1990).
The ease of acquiring additional founders in-situ without having much of an affect on wild populations (high potential replacement rate) or arousing the disapproval of animal welfare groups would be a big asset to maintaining population numbers and genetic diversity.
Involving local people in breeding and trading of invertebrates, if done in a responsible way, could introduce more founders into captive populations and give locals an economic incentive not to destroy wild habitat (Jacques Pierre 2004). Increased habitat preservation conserves general biodiversity.
A lot of this data is in International Zoo Yearbook (1990), a publication surely read by many in the zoological profession. Evidently, there are some forces holding directors and curators back from developing invertebrate displays because there are exceptionally few Zoos exhibiting them.
Part of the problem is that it is difficult to commit only a small amount to invertebrates and have an advantageous result. Small glass terrariums unimaginatively designed, separated from plants, and without any good ecological interpretation, look like jewel box exhibits. It’s also impossible to have the proper equipment or specialized invertebrate staff for a couple of species without large costs.
Another concern is that individuals who are more interested in invertebrates than vertebrates might not regularly visit current zoological institutions that almost exclusively house vertebrates. When a Zoo samples their visitors they are inherently sampling a biased base of their potential audience.
Repeat visitors develop a connection to the animals their institution holds. In fact if you were to ask what peoples favourite animals were it would somewhat be a reflection of the collection of the Zoos they visit. If they were exposed to invertebrates over a longer time they would likely start to develop a deeper attraction to them.
Notoriety may also be preventing some Zoos from exhibiting invertebrates. Having big animals gives you a big sometimes international reputation. However, this doesn’t necessarily result in higher admittance as seen in the Montreal Biodome and Insectarium versus Toronto Zoo attendance. Few people are going to change their travel plans just to see a couple of large charismatic species at a Zoo especially when they are at pretty much every other large Zoo. Enthrall the local population with more and better exhibits while enhancing your ability to educate and promote conservation and you will see a more meaningful result. This reputation will leak down as online assessments and reviews improve and local people recommend good Zoos to visitors, especially family members. In turn these visitors will recommend these Zoos to other people where they live.
The Zoo world has evolved considerably over time, but like any organism a stalemate in a period of change will lead to irrelevance.
Kelly P. Pearce, Clarke, D. Robertson, M. and C. Andrews. 1990. The display, culture and conservation of invertebrates at London Zoo. International Zoo Yearbook 30(1): 21-29.
Jacques, P.. 2004. The trade in butterflies and other insects. Bulletin de la Societe Zoologique de France 129(1-2): 59-66.
Yajima, M.. 1990. The Insect Ecological Land at Tama Zoo. International Zoo Yearbook 30(1): 7-15.
Zabarauskas, P. and F. InDiviglio. 1990. The unseen multitude:design and management of invertebrate displays at the New York Bronx Zoo. International Zoo Yearbook 30(1): 15-20.
