Animal-Friendly Humane Architecture / Dissertation Eda Yildiz

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HISTORY OF ZOOS Throughout history, the purposes and conditions of zoo gardens have played a role in the development of the design. Because each process has given people information about animals; each newly designed zoo is developed by completing or replacing the shortcomings observed in the previous designs. The spaces to be created for animals became more ethical as we got to know the animals. Therefore, a good understanding of the starting point and the stages of change until today gives information about how the design process has developed. The culture of collecting wild animals started in China and Egypt in the 4th and 5th centuries BC. Often used as symbols to show their strength and wealth, this culture served as punishment, entertainment, hunting, in cuisine, and gifts of political significance across countries. At the beginning of the 16th century, birds and monkeys started to be cared for as pets, and over time, little wild cats joined this group. Later, large cats and bears were kept in cages in parks. The first zoo was established in Europe privately on trade routes, exotic animals were bought and sold and attracted great interest. Afterwards, circuses and exhibitions started to be set up, especially lions and bears were presented to the audience at the Tower of London. Zoological gardens began to be established professionally in the 19th century. As the zoos spread throughout Europe, both the number of professionals and the level of living conditions of animals developed.

Figure 3 : Heritage Corbis (1996) Demonstration of Edward Cross’s collection (1829), of wild animals in small cages.

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