Use of the word ‘habitat’ in zoos/wildlife parks

[Mickey]

It seems to me that when I was a child the word 'exhibit' referred to the animals rather than an enclosure, probably because it was the animals that were on exhibition. People would often ask if the zoo had any new exhibits when enquiring about new animals.
just as in a museum the exhibits are the artefacts displayed to the public, and in a courtroom the exhibits are the material objects of evidence displayed to the courtroom, in a zoo the exhibits were the animals.

I always thought that exhibit was strictly synonym with exhibition and referred to a multitude rather than single animals/specimens, it is what I always mean when I say exhibit.

 

[MRJ]

Has it been officially standardised though? That's what I'm wondering.

I don't understand what is meant by official standardisation. Each zoo will make up its own mind how it uses these terms. I just know there is a lot of pressure for zoos to adopt the term "habitat" rather than "enclosure", from other zoos and associations.

 

[Chlidonias]

I always thought that exhibit was strictly synonym with exhibition and referred to a multitude rather than single animals/specimens, it is what I always mean when I say exhibit.

Exhibit or exhibition just means something is on display for viewing. Quantity is irrelevant.

So an elephant is an exhibit at a zoo. It is also on exhibit at the zoo. It is also in an exhibit at the zoo.

 

[TriUK]

There has been some really interesting and valuable posts on this thread. I’ve learned a lot and understand how the word habitat has been used by zoos. Thanks to everyone who has contributed.