Presentation short abstract

Zoos are increasingly important conservation actors, but critical attention to their in-situ work remains limited. They heavily influence social, economic and land use dynamics in certain regions. Can zoos conduct such work justly, and is there a risk they shape landscapes to look like exhibits?

Presentation long abstract

During the 21st century large, mostly western ‘conservation zoos’ have been growing their influence across different strands of conservation practice. They are potentially the third largest category of funder of species conservation and have expanded beyond their traditional domains into direct in-situ conservation. The history of zoos as centres of education and entertainment, and as leaders in ex-situ research and breeding sets them apart from other conservation organisations. Despite this, critical attention to zoo in-situ conservation remains limited. This presentation covers an analysis of the in-situ work of nine leading conservation zoos, and an agenda for further research that is attentive to the politics and power relations inherent in their rise. Our analysis shows that zoo conservation is still focused on the management of endangered species, but they also now heavily influence social, economic and land use dynamics in certain areas of the world. We must consider whether zoos have the knowledge, expertise and experience to conduct people-centred work in ways understood to be equitable, just and sustainable in local contexts. It is also vital to understand how and why zoos decide to conserve particular species and areas. These choices could be motivated by conservation need, species charisma, historical contingency and links with ex-situ work. Finally, as organisations that both create simulacra of nature in exhibits that must appeal to western publics, and carry out in-situ conservation, conservation zoos risk being drawn into processes that shape landscapes to look more like zoo exhibits, rather than the other way around.