The History of Zoos

Before public zoos, royalty kept small numbers of exotic animals in their homes. These wild animals were for the royal’s entertainment and to show the rulers social status. In early Egypt,Pharaohs housed large and powerful animals, such as bears and elephants, in menageries,or indoor zoos.  Queen Hatshepsut of Egypt was rumored to own baboons that she had acquired along with myrrh saplings.  More modern zoos, however, often began as a small .personal collections owned by wealthy members of society.  These collections were shown to guests who later believed that the beautiful animals should be shared with the public.  Many animal rights activists disagree with keeping animals on public display, claiming that the animals’ life spans are shorter in captivity and that the animals have no stimulation to keep them entertained.  Although I do not necessarily agree with these opinions, I do believe that we should try to make life more exciting and eventful for the animals that live in our zoos.