Pleistocene891
Well-Known Member
Over the last few years, I’ve developed an unhealthy obsession of rating zoos. I’ve always tried to use consistent criteria to limit my hypocrisy. I have 5 criteria for rating zoos
1. Exhibit quality:
Animals in zoos are in much smaller habitats than than they are in the wild so it’s important for them to have a high quality exhibit that enriches them. When judging an exhibit I tend to look at its size, functionality, and naturalism. Different animals obviously have different needs so this tends to be the hardest criteria to rate.
2. Conservation:
Conservation is what justifies modern zoos existing. Without it, one could easily make the argument that zoos are unethical. I look at the amount of money being spent into conservation efforts, what kind of breeding programs the zoo is participating in, and how successful they are in doing so.
3. Number of Species:
This criteria is pretty straightforward. However I do prefer zoos with a more balanced collection rather than just one category, for example birds. This is why I prefer traditional zoos rather than specialist parks.
4. Uniqueness:
This is definitely the most vague criteria in my list so I’ll split it into sub categories.
a) Theming:
This might be an unpopular opinion but I do love when zoos have distinct themes are each exhibit complex. It makes each place stand out more and feel more fresh. The theming should not however disrupt the exhibit quality but instead make the exhibit more attractive.
b) Pathways:
I like zoos that have multiple different pathways and loops that I can take to view the animals. Whoever I visit a zoo multiple times. I try to take a different route than I did the last time. I don’t want to back track much, but I also don’t want all of the exhibits to be viewed through one giant loop.
c) Rare Species:
It’s always nice to see rarities in zoos as it makes the trip stand out more. I do enjoy ABC animals, but rare species just add an extra element.
d) Exhibit Design:
It can get boring to see the same type of zoo design for every exhibit(looking at you Zoo Miami). I’m always fascinated by how some zoos deign their viewing points and how it makes the exhibit much more enjoyable.
5. Price:
Another straightforward criteria. I usually try to spend the maximum number of hours at a zoo so I don’t mind paying, but some zoos are just ridiculously expensive. So it does make the list but it’s not that important.
I never think about other visitor amenities as I don’t care for them. I don’t eat at zoo restaurants as I always pack a sandwich for a zoo trip. I don’t care about rides as I think they’re unnecessary in zoos. I’m for the camp that thinks Zoos are more about the animals than the visitors.
1. Exhibit quality:
Animals in zoos are in much smaller habitats than than they are in the wild so it’s important for them to have a high quality exhibit that enriches them. When judging an exhibit I tend to look at its size, functionality, and naturalism. Different animals obviously have different needs so this tends to be the hardest criteria to rate.
2. Conservation:
Conservation is what justifies modern zoos existing. Without it, one could easily make the argument that zoos are unethical. I look at the amount of money being spent into conservation efforts, what kind of breeding programs the zoo is participating in, and how successful they are in doing so.
3. Number of Species:
This criteria is pretty straightforward. However I do prefer zoos with a more balanced collection rather than just one category, for example birds. This is why I prefer traditional zoos rather than specialist parks.
4. Uniqueness:
This is definitely the most vague criteria in my list so I’ll split it into sub categories.
a) Theming:
This might be an unpopular opinion but I do love when zoos have distinct themes are each exhibit complex. It makes each place stand out more and feel more fresh. The theming should not however disrupt the exhibit quality but instead make the exhibit more attractive.
b) Pathways:
I like zoos that have multiple different pathways and loops that I can take to view the animals. Whoever I visit a zoo multiple times. I try to take a different route than I did the last time. I don’t want to back track much, but I also don’t want all of the exhibits to be viewed through one giant loop.
c) Rare Species:
It’s always nice to see rarities in zoos as it makes the trip stand out more. I do enjoy ABC animals, but rare species just add an extra element.
d) Exhibit Design:
It can get boring to see the same type of zoo design for every exhibit(looking at you Zoo Miami). I’m always fascinated by how some zoos deign their viewing points and how it makes the exhibit much more enjoyable.
5. Price:
Another straightforward criteria. I usually try to spend the maximum number of hours at a zoo so I don’t mind paying, but some zoos are just ridiculously expensive. So it does make the list but it’s not that important.
I never think about other visitor amenities as I don’t care for them. I don’t eat at zoo restaurants as I always pack a sandwich for a zoo trip. I don’t care about rides as I think they’re unnecessary in zoos. I’m for the camp that thinks Zoos are more about the animals than the visitors.
