2b-History of Zoos

2. Animal Exhibition Areas

These are the areas where the instincts and animal behavior of animals are directly presented to visitors. These areas are places that allow animals to shelter, feed and continue their social relations as they do in their natural lives. (Yilmaz, 2008) For this reason, the design of the areas is important both for the mental and physical health of the animals and for the observation and learning of correct information about them. There are two approaches created by Debra L. Forthman Quick from the Log Angles Research Department (1984) on the design considerations for the exhibition areas;

1. The natural environment created by the combination of technology and knowledge. It aims to learn and research about animals. Species should be exhibited most closely to their natural life. Acquisition of nutrients, socialization, and mating should be provided by their own means as much as possible, artificial support should be avoided, the atrophy of instincts must be prevented. In this way, researches will be compatible with animals in natural life. It should allow systematic observation in research.

2.It focuses on the welfare of animals. The goal is to prevent depression and illness. Maximum safety and peace should be provided for both visitors and animals.

A major challenge in the design of the exhibition spaces is to balance the needs of the animals (providing natural elements) and the needs of the visitors (easy viewing of animals, visibility) and being able to gather them in the same space. An important biologist from Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research, Cherfas likens the difficulty of this task to a double-edged sword and adds; “The needs of the animals and humans are not complementary; visitors want to see, animals want not to be seen.” (Finlay, 1988) This situation is provided by the correct area measurements. The exhibition areas should be large enough to feel in nature and meet the defence areas of the animals, but close enough not to block the observation by visitors and researchers. The most common exhibition method used in modern zoos is called“Immersion Exhibition”. This method is considered the best solution of communication between the visitor and the animal inhabitants. This method, which aims to keep the barriers and structures as hidden as possible, aims to make the visitors feel like they are in nature. Areas consisting of artificial areas, railings, and buildings prevent us from feeling like the natural atmosphere living in the exhibition area. For this reason, natural materials and colors, balustrades covered with plants, large glasses are the preferred items in immersive exhibition areas. (Harrison, 1998) The following features must be included in the design of the Immersion exhibition areas: (Yılmaz, 2011) •Close to natural view •Sustainability •Hiding boundary elements •Suitable for the psychology and natural life of animals •Sense of depth provided by plants and space design

2.1 Typological Characteristics of the Immersion Exhibition Areas

A. BOUNDARY ELEMENTS: The factors that make up the boundary elements (nets, ditches and electrical systems) are visually hidden and aims at preventing the distraction of their visitors. It harmonizes with the natural ambiance that it tries to create. Plants, typography and natural materials (wood, bamboo, etc.) are architectural elements used to create segregated spaces. In addition, the topography was used as a boundary element, dividing the area into parts. While designing the boundaries of the animal shelter areas to separating the animal species, it is necessary not to disturb the integrity of the atmosphere. While keeping animals safe, we should not spoil the nature of the view visitors will watch. (Bitgood, 1993) In the design of the depth, type, width and material of the boundary elements, the physical strength, behavior (climbing, digging, flying etc.) and biological characteristics of the animal to be located in the area should be taken into consideration. (Giritlioğlu, 1993)

Table 4 :Urban Environment Landscape (2004)

Types

1a.Net Barriers

1.Transparent Barriers

1b.Glass Barriers

Border Elements

Physical Characteristics

Figure 10: Paignton Zoo Birdworld (Torquay)

Figure 11: Antwerp Zoo (Dierentuin) Design Purposes

•Seethrough barriers separate animals and visitors without disturbing the atmosphere. •It gives visitors the opportunity to see the animals up close.

Table 4 : Eda Yildiz (2021) Graphic created from Serap Yılmaz’s notes and sketches in the book ‘Zoo Typologies’.

2.a 1. One Sided Dry Trench Physical Characteristics

2.b Double Sided Dry Trench

2. Trench Format Obstacles

2.c Fence Trench

2.d Water-Filled Trench Design Purposes

•These boundary elements are created because the use of artificial obstacles is avoided. •These methods can be used both between visitor-animal areas as well as between animal - animal areas. •The size, depth and type of the ditches are determined by considering the biological capabilities of the animal accommodating in the area. For example, minimum 3.5 meters for deer, minimum 2.3 meters for bear etc. (Kayser, 2017))

B. Form And Size Of The Exhibition Area:

While these areas exhibit animals, plants, and people in the environment should also be planned appropriately. The exhibition areas are large enough to meet the needs of the animals they keep and the areas consist of topography and vegetation suitable for nature. In this way, the right ecosystem conditions can be provided to both animals, researchers, and visitors. Instead of separating the animals in the areas according to their species, it is important to keep the animals that live in the same ecosystem together, both in terms of location and not spoiling their natural cycle. Of course, the species to be kept together should not be related to the food chain. Symbiotic interactions have to be taken into consideration.

In the background, vegetation and topography are used to give depth to the exhibition space. It also plays a role in hiding the boundary elements. Often a sense of depth is added to the space with height differences, curves and slightly textured light colored plants.

The central area is the area where animals keep their daily lives and meet with visitors. It is easy to see. The natural area of the animal is animated with the plants it contains, natural materials (logs, rocks, water, etc.).

The foreground is the areas where the boundary elements for security are located. It separates the animal area from the visitor area. Usually made up of natural materials (bushes, wood, ditch, rocks ...) placed to hide the boundary elements.

Figure 12 : Eda Yildiz (2021) Graphic created from Serap Yılmaz’s notes and sketches in the book ‘Zoo Typologies’.

It is the gathering of different types of animals in a way that meets or facilitates their needs (food, hygiene, breeding, and protection ...). These relationships can be shortterm and facultative or lifelong and mandatory. It is divided into 4 according to the Benefit Status of Living Beings. (Brown, 2019)

B.1.MUTUALISM:

Two creatures that live together also benefit from each other. In some cases of mutualism, symbiosis may be necessary. Example: Cattle Birds and Grazing Animals; Cattle are found in savannah climate. They generally feed by insects on buffalo, giraffes, impalas and other large mammals. They eliminate ticks, fleas, lice and other insects as they can cause infection and disease. In addition, these birds will alert grazing animals to the presence of predators by making a loud warning call. By keeping these birds and bison together in modern zoological gardens, the problem of bugs is eliminated naturally and the visitors are taught about mutualism. (Brown, 2019)

Image13 : Artem Korenut (2017)

Buffaloes and crows sharing the same area - New Delhi Zoo (India)

Image14: James MacDonald (2019)

Shark and remoras fish sharing the same aquarium

B.2. COMMENSALISM:

While one of the species living in the same environment benefits from its relationship with the other species, the other species is not affected by this situation. In these associations, the waste, metabolic byproduct, movement, or body of one of the living creatures generally provides food or host benefit for the other living thing. Example: Small fish that are being caught in sharks take advantage of the leftovers of sharks’ food. In aquariums, small fish species and sharks are not kept in different tanks; this saves space and creates good examples for teaching commensalism. (Brown, 2019)

B.3. PARASITISM:

While one of the symbiotic creatures benefits, the other suffers directly or indirectly from this association. It usually occurs when insect, bacterial and fungal species use it to feed, live and reproduce larger organisms. As a parasite, they can harm or even kill the host creature they are attached to. Parasitism is undesirable in zoos; medication and regular checks are performed to protect the host animals.

Example: Ticks and mammals. Ticks that stick to mammals feed on blood. Bacteria transmitted by ticks infect the main creature and this can become deadly if not treated. It is not a desired condition because it is an element that endangers the health of animals.

B.4. NEUTRALISM:

If two or more animal species can live independently of each other, or if there is no negative or positive relationship between the individuals of the two species living in the same ecosystem, this is called neutralism. It is used to save space in zoos.

Example: Rabbit and deer are both herbivorous animals and do not harm each other because they are not in each other’s food chain. Animals do not benefit each other, but it saves space.

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

Rabbit Exhibition Area / Border Element

Visitor Viewing Area

Figure 15 : Eda Yildiz (2021)

Immersion Exhibition Area Section Graphic created from Serap Yılmaz’s notes and sketches in the book ‘Zoo Typologies’. Border Element

Ibex Exhibition Area

PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK STUDENT VERSION

• Herbal Texture:

It is a binding element to create the relationship of animal species with the natural environment in which they live. It is used to hide the nervous elements and also adds depth effect to the space. Help from zoologists and botanical scientists must be sought during the planting phase. Because plants are also alive, the sensitivity when bringing animals together should also be paid to plants. A plant that is harmless to a particular animal species can be a food source for another species, or it can be toxic. There are examples of animals being harmed due to wrong planting due to lack of knowledge and insufficient care. In 2013, more than 300 wounded manatees from all over the world (popularly known as sea cows, these are herbivorous marine mammals, about 3.5 meters long, and 450 kg) were brought to Park Zoo Manatee Animal Hospital (Bradenton, United States). After their treatment, the stronger sea cows were brought to nature and the ones that continued to be cared for were placed in the aquarium areas in Lowry Park Zoo to be exhibited to the visitors. Plants and pieces of coral were taken from natural areas to be used in aquariums. The harmful algae that came with this planting and caused the death of many sea cows in nature were also carried to the aquarium. Workers did not interfere when algae poisoned and paralyzed the animals, due to the fact that they did not notice the animals that would also normally lie underwater for hours had paralysis. Planting should be considered for the health of the animals, and animal areas should be checked frequently to prevent adverse situations that may occur. (Chin, 2016)

Image 16: Paul C. Tash (2018)

Manates at Lowry Park Zoo

Image 17: Gregory R. Mann (2016)

Red Tide – A Harmful Algal Bloom

2.2 Positioning Animal Exhibition Areas

In the 18th century, display of animals was done in small cages placed side by side. The cages did not take up much space and visitors could easily see the animals. In time, with the understanding of the damages that were caused on the mental and physical health of the animals that resided in cages, the animal exhibition areas were made suitable for nature and of course they needed more space. When zoological gardens spread over a wider area, it is important to ensure the right flow of people so that visitors can visit all the animals. In addition, the placement of the animals’ fields is also important. While designing the area distribution, it should be placed on a certain system so that the visitor flow and information can be provided correctly. There are 5 popular design methods preferred in modern zoos for area distribution. (Civelek, 1999)

1.According to Zoogeographic Regions:

In this design type, the animal exhibits are arranged according to their geographical regions on the world. The areas reserved for both visitors and animals in the areas are designed in accordance with the architecture and vegetation of the geographical area they exhibit.

North America

Aquarium

Australia Africa

Asia

Offices

Visitor Entrance

Europe

Image 18: Eda Yildiz (2020)

Graphic created from S. Civelek’s notes and sketches in the book ‘Zoo design, Spaces’