The definition of a zoo is a constant, almost omnipresent debate among zoo enthusiast on this site. We often argue about the requirements that a facility needs to be called a 'zoo'. Last year, I made this thread, explaining my definition of a zoo and asking others about their definitions. Here are my requirements:
After some recent discussion in the gallery and various threads here on ZC, I began to wonder if the infamous hellhole Beaver Springs Park Aquarium counted as a zoo. If you read some reviews on Google or Tripadvisor, you can pretty easily find that the primary purpose of this "aquarium" is not to exhibit captive animals or to teach about nature via captive animals. It is to con unsuspecting visitors out of their money! This violates my second rule for a definition of a zoo! You see, Beaver Springs Park Aquarium has some stocked ponds for fishing. The only one with really any chance of biting is the most expensive one. For every inch if fish you catch, you have to pay $2, according to the contract you sign. In fine print. This is literally a scam!
So I guess my question is, can a facility whose primary purpose is to con you out of your money count as a zoo?
- The facility must be open to the public for at least three months of the year.
- The primary purpose of the facility is to exhibit captive animals OR to teach about nature via captive animals.
- The facility must display at least 3 species, at least two of which must be exotic (non-domestic) species.
- You must be able to visit the facility without a guided tour.
- The primary purpose must not be too sell animals. The facility may still count if it does sell animals, as long as it is not the primary purpose.
- The facility must be permanent and be at a fixed location.
After some recent discussion in the gallery and various threads here on ZC, I began to wonder if the infamous hellhole Beaver Springs Park Aquarium counted as a zoo. If you read some reviews on Google or Tripadvisor, you can pretty easily find that the primary purpose of this "aquarium" is not to exhibit captive animals or to teach about nature via captive animals. It is to con unsuspecting visitors out of their money! This violates my second rule for a definition of a zoo! You see, Beaver Springs Park Aquarium has some stocked ponds for fishing. The only one with really any chance of biting is the most expensive one. For every inch if fish you catch, you have to pay $2, according to the contract you sign. In fine print. This is literally a scam!
So I guess my question is, can a facility whose primary purpose is to con you out of your money count as a zoo?
