What species comes closest to representing another species?

[LARTIS]

As the title suggests, did I ask myself how can a species that is either extinct or simply not available in a region be represented in an exhibition by another species or breed?

In my opinion the ideal would be that the illusion, could be maintained for more than a first glimps, but if not possible one could at least enable an impression for a second.

I think the lack of a species kept could align with the importance of the species, as irreplacable element of the natural ecosystem. As human tend to feel stronger about what they have lost than what they never experienced themself.

 

[equidae]

You could have alpacas in place of vicuñas for the overall look, but I doubt it would make much of an impact. Impact-wise, nothing beats that handbag at London Zoo.

 

[Batto]

Current pygmy hippo for various extinct Island hippo species.

Vipera seoanei instead of V. berus for indoor terraria.

 

[DaLilFishie]

Cairns Aquarium uses the Eastern Rainbowfish to represent the Lake Eacham Rainbowfish (an endangered species). Most visitors wouldn't be able to tell the difference anyway

 

[Swampy]

The wonderful island ecology restoration tool that is Aldabrachelys gigantea. Can act as a stand-in for any number of Indian Ocean island giant tortoise species.

 

[OkapiFan]

Zoos in the US use Amur Leopards instead of African Leopards.