Book

20december2011
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell, 2011
An Introduction to Zoo Biology and Management

The target audience for this book is students of animal management, biology and wildlife, but it is also a handy reference work for zookeepers and zoo professionals.
The book is divided into three sections. Part one, ‘History, organisation and regulation’, explores the function of zoos, their legislative context, and their organisation and management, as well as issues such as nature conservation, ethics, animal-naming and anti-zoo organisations. Also discussed are zoo developments through the years, with examples from various countries. Specific facts and figures are elucidated in loosely-shaped ‘boxes’ in the text, which is presented in a lively fashion with tables, graphics and illustrations. Part two, ‘Enclosures, husbandry and behavior’, is about the animals. Everything is covered, from enclosure design to animal nutrition and from reproduction to transportation. The section on animal behaviour includes an extensive discussion on behavioural enrichment and training. Not only various diseases and ailments, but also topics such as quarantine and ageing are included in the section on animal welfare and veterinary care. Part three of the book is dedicated to conservation and includes the topics of collection planning, breeding in captivity, reintroductions and data management. Also included here are discussions of research, education and the behaviour of the zoo visitor.

The examples and illustrations in this book come from all over the world, though the focus remains the United Kingdom, Europe, North America and Australasia.

That the author, Paul Rees, has worked as an elephant keeper is evident not only from the book’s cover, but also from various examples in the book. Mr Rees is programme leader for the Wildlife Conservation with Zoo Biology degree at the University of Salford (UK).


An Introduction to Zoo Biology and Management
Paul A. Rees
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell, 2011
ISBN-10: 1405193506
ISBN-13: 978-1405193504