How do open-range zoos differ from urban zoos?

Open-range zoos and urban zoos differ primarily in their location, scale, and the methods used to house animals.

• Location and Scale: Urban zoos are typically limited in size and must maximize the use of available space within city environments. In contrast, open-range zoos are established in rural settings, allowing for much larger paddocks.1
• Exhibition and Housing: Urban zoos often rely on buildings and cages to house animals, using artificial materials to simulate natural habitats. Open-range zoos exhibit fewer species but keep them in more natural conditions within expansive paddocks.1
• Containment: While urban zoos use cages or barriers to prevent escape and manage public interaction, open-range zoos utilize methods such as water-filled or dry moats and wire-mesh fences. Some open-range facilities, known as safari parks, allow visitors to drive through large paddocks in their own vehicles.1
• Species Diversity: Urban zoos generally exhibit a wider variety of species, whereas open-range zoos may focus on single-species herds or mixed-species habitat displays.1

Ethically, it is essential to prioritize the welfare of animals in any exhibition, as confinement can lead to significant psychological harm and behavioral issues.2