Terms and Definitions
In the zoological industry, there are various terms that describe AND determine a collection of animals. For example, the word "ZOO" historically described an establishment which held a collection of wild animals from around the world for public display.
Then, the use of other terms such as "WILDLIFE PARK", "ANIMAL SANCTUARY" and "FARM" came into popular use and began to change our understanding of what a "collection" of animals on display may be.
Today, the word "ZOO" has come to be used more universally, usually to promote any and every sort of animal establishment. This is unfortunate as certain parks are incorrectly (and unethically) using the word ZOO, which provides a certain expectation to the general public, but often does not meet that expectation. For example, a wildlife park that only houses monkeys, but refers to itself as a "ZOO" would be deceiving the public, who assume (correctly) that a zoo is a collection of wild and exotic animals from all over the world.
Therefore, there should be tighter restrictions and clear classifications in place to ensure the use of the word "ZOO" is not exploited. There should be a minimum requirement for the number of overseas animals that are displayed, as well as guidelines on the diversity and number of species within an establishment before it can be labelled a "ZOO".
In the past, for example, Queensland, Northern Territory and Tasmania didn't use the word "ZOO", instead, they preferred to use the terms, "native wildlife park", "wildlife park" or, "sanctuary" which signified an establishment that only had native wild animals on display. Back then, native Australian wildlife were just as popular as Zoo animals, mainly because animal parks were one step ahead of the game, allowing tourists and guests to come in close contact and handle Australian wildlife.
Today, the word "ZOO" is being exploited. Every animal park is looking for their slice of the market, trying to outdo other "parks" and animal-housing establishments.
Terms used to describe the various facilities that house animals and wildlife (such as, "zoo", "wildlife park", "sanctuary", "native wildlife park" and "farm") should have tighter guidelines for classification to ensure the public are not being deceived and do not become disillusioned and dissatisfied after paying to visit an incorrectly-labelled establishment.
Correct Use of Terms
Zoo should describe an establishment that houses a collection of exotic and wild animals from around the world, typically in a park or garden-like setting. A zoo should consist of at least five iconic international species (such as, some of the Big Five African animals) from at least 3 continents, such as the Americas, Asia and Europe.
Wildlife Park should describe an enclosed area of land that houses a combination of Australian wildlife and exotic wildlife but falls short of the first criteria (for example, does not have as much international species diversity).
Native Wildlife Park (or, Sanctuary Park) should describe an enclosed area of land that consists only of Australian wildlife. A Sanctuary Park is a facility that has been set up as a refuge or rescue centre for wildlife or animals. There are many zoos and wildlife parks that have a "sanctuary" within their own establishments.
Farm Park should describe an area of land that consists only of domestic farm animals and may include some feral animals that could be considered invasive to Australia.
Today, there are different types of zoos, particularly in the way they are managed behind-the-scenes.
Next:
In Part 2, we explain how the zoological industry is comprised of four sections and has evolved over time alongside societal changes that can be attributed to Australia's population growth and the rise of the digital age.
Marcus The Koala Man
Koala Retreat
