Zoo Culture - Softcover

Why do people go to zoos? Is the role of zoos to entertain or to educate? In this provocative book, the authors demonstrate that zoos tell us as much about humans as they do about animals and suggest that while animals may not need zoos, urban societies seem to. A new introduction takes note of dramatic changes in the perceived role of zoos that have occurred since the book's original publication. "Bob Mullan and Garry Marvin delve into the assumptions about animals that are embedded in our culture. . . . A thought-provoking glimpse of our own ideas about the exotic, the foreign." -- Tess Lemmon, BBC Wildlife Magazine "A thoughtful and entertaining guided tour." -- David White, New Society "[An] unusual and intriguing combination of historical survey, psychological enquiry, and compendium of fascinating facts." -- Evening Standard

This provocative study shows that zoos tell us as much about humans as they do about animals. Through observations based on visits to zoos and conversations with zoo owners and keepers all over the world, the authors suggest that, while animals may not need zoos, urban societies seem to. A new preface takes note of dramatic changes in the perceived role of zoos that have occurred since the book's original publication.