Of course I think ( …obsess?) about this , at least partially, from a ‘how to get funds’ point of view. I know that lots of forward looking zoos and aquaria across Europe are doing more and more with indigenous species as a good and interesting thing in itself.
But when I discuss the status and image of zoos with all kinds of external people (business figures, poltical figures, major trusts and foundations, etc…) in a position to help us, the ‘authenticity’ of our work, its relevance to ‘here’ often comes up. Or if it doesn’t, I suspect it is hovering subconsciously there in the background.
I remember the opening chapter of an Ian Rankin ‘Rebus’ detective novel set in Edinburgh Zoo. The hero is pursuing a suspected paedophile ( another great association for zoos!) and chooses to reflect how irrelevant and absurd the zoo is as anything to do with Edinburgh. Thas was a reflection of Edinburgh Zoo a good few years back, by the way. I bet if Ian Rankin went back now he wouldn’t write such a scene. I still read Rankin, despite this.
Talking to regional funders one always have to overcome the unspoken feeling that the zoo , full of exotic species ( the same in their eyes as found in every other zoo in the world) has nothing particularly to do with their town, region, country – unlike the museum, art gallery, local sports team, distinctive architecture, cuisine, landscape, language, customs- all the things that make us go on holiday.
So should we devote more attention to the fauna associated with our own geography to become a more fundable part of our local culture and economy? As well as for ethical and scientific reasons?
I remember Gordon Reid of Chester Zoo pointing out years ago that most British children had never actually see a live badger, the UK’s largest carnivire and an important part of their heritage. A good point, and, come to think of it, I don’t think I have ever seen one either!
What do all you zoo professionals out there think?
John
http://www.johnreganassociates.com/
Take a look at our website : Johnreganassociates.com There are various resources there for people interested in getting external funding for zoos and similar organisations
