Want to learn about backstage / holding

Littlewolves1234

Littlewolves1234

Member
I love zoo design. I visit my local zoo regularly. What I would really enjoy is learning about the backstage of zoos and how they function. When I visit the zoo, I try to peek through the fences and things to get a look at what goes on behind the scenes, but it's all very well hidden. The best thing I saw was a glimpse of the lemur holding area.
I have even taken photos with google earth of the zoo and drawn over the staff paths, guest paths, and marked out the bathrooms, cafes, habitats, visible backstage buildings, etc...
I have done some research to find images of backstage areas, but I honestly can't gather much when it comes to details. Is there a resource where I can browse pictures and layouts of exhibits including the holding areas? Is there a guide on how they work?
So far I have found a couple floor plans of holding areas. They are helpful but I would like to know how it all looks on the inside. How do the gates work, what enrichment, if any, is inside, how do the stalls connect to the habitat, how do the animals get moved between stalls... etc etc etc.
I wanted to talk to a keeper today but couldn't find one available.
To anyone here who is knowledgeable, how did you learn?
 
Does your local zoo have any backstage tour opportunities? In my experience the best way to get an understanding of it is by physically being in the space, as rare (or pricey) of an opportunity that may be.

Otherwise perhaps documentaries would be a good way to go? If only to give you some visual examples of the spaces.
 
filovirus said:
Does your local zoo have any backstage tour opportunities? In my experience the best way to get an understanding of it is by physically being in the space, as rare (or pricey) of an opportunity that may be.

Otherwise perhaps documentaries would be a good way to go? If only to give you some visual examples of the spaces.
Click to expand...
I agree on both points. If you have Discovery+, "The Zoo" is a fantastic series. If you've got Disney+ "Secrets of the Zoo" is also good, but seems to focus more on the veterinary side of things from what I remember.
 
Forge said:
I agree on both points. If you have Discovery+, "The Zoo" is a fantastic series. If you've got Disney+ "Secrets of the Zoo" is also good, but seems to focus more on the veterinary side of things from what I remember.
Click to expand...
Thank you. I will be sure to check The Zoo out.
 
filovirus said:
Does your local zoo have any backstage tour opportunities? In my experience the best way to get an understanding of it is by physically being in the space, as rare (or pricey) of an opportunity that may be.

Otherwise perhaps documentaries would be a good way to go? If only to give you some visual examples of the spaces.
Click to expand...
My zoo definitely does tours. I'm just not sure which ones will actually let you enter the backstage or not. I will try to chat to a keeper sometime and ask.
 
They tend to look similar to horse stable just with the size and fence adapted to each species.
 
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