Zoos and Conservation

Zoos are increasingly embracing their conservation mission in the face of a growing global biodiversity crisis. Yet this move faces a number of significant obstacles given zoos’ practical limitations (resources, space) and, especially, their long-running entertainment interests. Examining the historical and ethical context of zoo conservation reveals the potential of these institutions in biodiversity protection, but also the challenges zoos will continue to grapple with as they seek to become more serious conservation actors in the time ahead.