Zoo

Introduction
Function and purpose
Design and architecture
Procurement and care of animals
Funding

References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics

Images & Videos

Know the importance of maintaining genetic diversity during the breeding programs of endangered species in captivity

Learn about the zoological researches undertaken at the Fota Wildlife Park, part of research-led teaching at University College Cork

At a Glance

zoo summary

Quizzes

Sea otter (Enhydra lutris), also called great sea otter, rare, completely marine otter of the northern Pacific, usually found in kelp beds. Floats on back. Looks like sea otter laughing. saltwater otters

Animal Group Names

Deadliest Animals Quiz

Match the Baby Animal to Its Mama Quiz

greylag. Flock of Greylag geese during their winter migration at Bosque del Apache National Refugee, New Mexico. greylag goose (Anser anser)

Biology Bonanza

The bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) is seen in Switzerland on December 2024

Animal Factoids

Related Questions

How are animals contained in open-range zoos without traditional cages?
How are zoo habitats designed to resemble natural environments?
How can films about wildlife provide an alternative to seeing animals in captivity?
How can open-space zoos serve as breeding centers for endangered animals?
How can zoos monitor diseases that can spread between animals and humans?
How did Enlightenment ideas influence the development of early zoos?
How did a black bear named Winnie inspire A. A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh stories?
How did captive breeding contribute to the recovery of California condors?
How did early zoo practices sometimes harm animals such as Madame Ningo the gorilla?
How did modern zoo architecture balance the needs of animals, staff, and visitors?
How did the Philadelphia Zoo become the first zoo in the United States?
How did the San Diego Zoo build its large walk-through aviary over a natural canyon?
How do artificial light cycles help nocturnal animals become active for zoo visitors?
How do mixed-species habitat exhibits try to copy natural animal communities?
How do open-range zoos differ from urban zoos?
How do zoo guides and talking labels help visitors learn about animals?
How do zoos display nocturnal animals during daytime visiting hours?
How does a walk-through aviary allow visitors to enter a bird habitat safely?
How does the San Diego Zoo use its Frozen Zoo to support endangered-species research and breeding?
How were Przewalski’s horses reintroduced to the wild after disappearing there?
What animal collection did Hernán Cortés find in Mexico in 1519?
What features made the Bronx Zoo’s World of Darkness an important nocturnal-animal exhibit?
What innovations did the Philadelphia Zoo introduce in the United States?
What types of barriers can zoos use to keep birds inside aviaries?
Which zoo is the oldest one still operating?
Why can safari parks become dangerous when visitors leave their cars or open windows?
Why did zoos add reptile houses, aviaries, and insectaries during the 1800s?
Why do giraffes need specially designed zoo buildings and outdoor enclosures?
Why do some zoo animals need refrigerated rooms or specially designed sleeping areas?
Why do urban zoos often use animal houses and outdoor enclosures?
Why do zoo reptile houses control temperature, humidity, ventilation, and lighting?
Why do zoos quarantine animals when they first arrive?
Why might desert reptiles need ultraviolet light in zoo exhibits?
Why were King Louis XVI’s animals moved to the Jardin des Plantes during the French Revolution?
What are the basic functional systems of animals?

Science Biology

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External Websites

The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction - Zoo
National Geographic - Zoo
National Center for Biotechnology Information - PubMed Central - Rationale for the Existence of Zoos

Britannica Websites

Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students.

zoo - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)
zoo - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)

Zoo

wildlife exhibition

Also known as: zoological garden, zoological park

Written and fact-checked by

Britannica Editors

Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....

Britannica Editors

Last updated

Nov. 10, 2026 •History

Zoo, place where wild animals and, in some instances, domesticated animals are exhibited in captivity. In such an establishment, animals can generally be given more intensive care than is possible in nature reserves or sanctuaries. Most long-established zoos exhibit general collections of animals, but some formed more recently specialize in particular groups—e.g., primates, big cats, tropical birds, or waterfowl. Marine invertebrates, fishes, and marine mammals are often kept in separate establishments known as aquariums. The...

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