Modern Ark: The Story of Zoos: Past, Present & Future

An in-depth look at the radical changes occurring in our nation's zoos -- from cement-paved mazes to simulated rain forests to completely natural landscapes -- as well as the history behind the actual idea of the zoo. Following the lead of private menageries in Europe, public zoos began to proliferate throughout America. What once started as symbols of prestige & power are now educational centers, developing advanced technologies in the race to conserve all that remains of the natural world. With DNA fingerprinting, artificial insemination, embryo transfers, & egg harvesting, zoos play a critical role in the fight to save endangered species. Illus.

Perhaps the question is so obvious that we seldom ask it: Why zoos? But wildlife journalist Vicki Croke provides answers in The Modern Ark, a fascinating history of zoos, the animals they house, how they reflect changing attitudes, and what their future may be. Croke traveled widely to conduct prodigious reporting--interviewing humans and spending time with some amazing members of the animal kingdom--and she offers an enlightening look at zoos. Some of it is funny, some of it's disturbing. All of it is interesting.