Zoos of the World: The Story of Animals in Captivity

In this wide-ranging book, a prominent zoologist conducts a personal guided tour through the zoos of the world - out front and behind the scenes - their history and future prospects, their problems and contributions. A book about zoos could be a mere menagerie of unusual specimens for the diversion of the public. Or it can be a creative effort that not only entertains the public but also informs them and advances the field. This book is an example of the latter. It approaches zoos as part of the age-old tradition of animals and man living in association, and as a reflection of the broader patterns of man's history, culture, and science. It tells of the history of zoos from the dawn of antiquity. It tells of the future prospects of zoos in the vital area of research and development. And it tells of the present-day zoos, with all of their problems of obtaining, transporting, feeding, and housing vast numbers of animals. All of this is brought to life by a scientist whose first-hand experience of zoos equips him to give us an authoritative picture of the world of animals in captivity. James Fisher is a British scientist with an international reputation for the excellence of his writing and research. As part of the Nature and Science Library series, "Zoos of the World" is designed particularly for readers of junior high school age, but can be read and enjoyed by the whole family.