PAGE, JAKE — Zoo: The Modern Ark

Key Porter Books. 1990. (ISBN: 9781550132083). Hardcover. 5.60 abe jul 2022 Hardback with D/J in very good condition. Minor scuffing to edges of D/J and two half inch tears to rear. 1990 edition. Photographs Franz Maier, preface by Gerald Durrell. From Publishers Weekly - Page ( Lords of the Air ) here examines the modern zoo and its role in saving animals from extinction, breeding and returning them to the wild. Among the successes are Pere David's deer, the Przewalski horse, Arabian oryx, golden lion tamarin. Page gives a brief history of zoos, noting improvements in habitat, nutrition, education programs. He discusses progress in breeding through embryo transplants and in vitro fertilization; education is focused on conservation. Entertainment has value for the animal as well as the visitor animal acts offer stimulation to the performer. Page profiles 10 great zoos of the world, and lists some 50 "major" zoos. Interspersed with the text, organized by region, are 100 magnificent color photographs of wild animals. A fine book. From School Library Journal - A beautiful volume, almost a coffee-table book by virtue of its size, with many excellent color photographs and a smoothly written text. After tracing the history of the zoo as a public phenomenon, Page discusses the revolution that has come in zoo management. The text is geared to non-scientists to show how research into zoo populations has led to the management of species according to the sophisticated tenents of population genetics. Numerous examples are given of animals for whom the need for captive breeding has become an urgent reality. Page makes it clear how such breeding programs can work with wildlife habitat protection and rehabilitation programs to ensure the survival of species. Ten of the world's finest zoos are highlighted, three of which are in the United States: the Bronx Zoo in New York, the San Diego Zoo, and the National Zoological Park in Washington, D. C. An appendix also lists the major zoos of the world and gives their particular strengths. An excellent source for art students requiring clear photographs from which to draw and paint animal subjects and biology students. Used: Acceptable.