Appropriate animal keeping
Is there conflict between appropriate animal keeping and the interests of visitors to our zoo?
Both experts and the lay have long discussed the apparent benefits and drawbacks of keeping animals appropriate to their natural environments. Occasionally some practices are also criticised a little too rashly.
- Tiger at Zoo Berlin
Not until animals have been meticulously studied both in the wild and in human care will we have enough information on an animal’s vital, specific needs and the environmental factors contributing to its well-being. As long as animals are observed and studied there will always be more to learn about them.
- Hippopotamuses
Zoo Berlin makes every effort to implement the latest animal research results in its practices.
On the other hand, for example, the hippopotamuses at Zoo Berlin show themselves at their best and observe in turn visitors through the glass windows. Sometimes, though, they doze in the water, hidden behind an isle. A visit to the zoo is never the same!
- Elephant at feeding time
Of course all visitors to our zoo want homes appropriate to each animal. To boot, most visitors want to see many animals in as short a time as possible. Here is where potential conflict lies. A relaxing recumbent lion fifty metres away loses its fascination. Small inspection ports grant only fleeting glimpses in the everyday world of animals. In a number of cases visitors have to rely so to speak on the residents’ good will to show themselves.