When asked to speak about the role of the modern zoo we are
all inclined to list (in one form or another) the following three reasons for
our existence:
1) Education and Research.
2) Conservation programs, both breeding in zoos and in-situ
programs.
3) Passive recreation.
One of us (E McAlister) believes quite firmly that there are
only two reasons for zoos to keep animals in captivity, either as part of a structured
education program or breeding with a release to the wild date in view. To simply
keep animals in captivity as a "stamp collection" or to satisfy the
curiosity of the public is not appropriate or responsible.
With these thoughts in mind, it became quite clear that any
opportunity to combine a release to the wild program with an educational program
should be grasped with both hands. Such an opportunity came our way with the
decision to release Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby (Petrogale xanthopus xanthopus)
to Aroona Sanctuary in the Flinders Ranges. The sanctuary is approximately 550
km N of Adelaide in close proximity to the coal mining town of Leigh Creek. For
details of this program see Barlow (1997) and Barlow & McAlister (1997).
As both the Zoological Parks Board of NSW and the Zoological
Parks Board of Vic held these animals in captivity, they were approached for a
financial contribution and a commitment for staff time. Both organizations
responded positively very quickly and their assistance is greatly appreciated.
Thus the larger zoo community was involved.
The sanctuary on to which the animals were to be released was
owned by the Electricity Trust of South Australia (now Optima Energy) and they
were also approached for funding and staff commitment. They too responded
positively and without their commitment this program would not have been the
success it has thus far. In this way the corporate sector became involved.
On September 26th 1996 ten animals (2 male, 8 female) were
released and an extensive program of tracking instituted. Before this date a
large amount of work had been done in convincing pastoralists abutting the
sanctuary that it was in their interest, as well as the release program, for
them to become involved in fox-baiting. These discussions were successful and
baits supplied by Adelaide Zoo are regularly spread out to control foxes.
In October, November and December the electricity company
enclosed an information brochure with each account for power used, a total of
640,000. The brochure described the program and offered a free child’s pass
with paying adult ticket to the Adelaide Zoo, 9,000 of these were returned.
Obviously the company gained from this exposure and the conservation message
went to every home and business in South Australia. Financial benefit to the
Adelaide Zoo was limited but our conservation role was spread far and wide.
Colin Tudge (1991) has stated "it is necessary in
conserving animals to try as far as possible to bring benefits to local
people" and the programs "must have the approval and connivance of the
local people". While these comments were probably written with release
programs in less developed areas of the World in mind, they have proven to be
none the less true for Australia. After initial scepticism from the coal mining
community nearby they, through programs aimed at the children in the local
school, soon became enthusiastic supporters and the program became a major topic
of conversation over a beer in the local pubs.
Staff from the various zoos involved in SA, Victoria and NSW
enjoyed the opportunity to participate in field work and to meet people from
other zoos. Several friendships have become established. Year 9 children
(approximately thirteen years old) from the school have taken this project to
their hearts and, in addition to undertaking tracking work, have edited the
newsletter "Wallaby News". They have also been successful in obtaining
money to purchase a system which will allow constant monitoring of the animals’
movements to be recorded and down-loaded on to a lap-top computer.
One of the various volunteers who came to assist in the
tracking program is involved in the music industry. He arranged to have five
"heavy rock" bands donate their time and talents and arranged a free
venue to allow a "Back to the Wild" concert. In addition to the $6,500
raised for the program, a group of people not normally involved with
conservation programs was influenced, both by the concert and by reading the
rock industry papers.
A large amount of media interest has been shown and
maintained throughout the program. One TV channel is preparing a documentary
about the release and Australian Geographic has agreed to publish an article on
the school children’s involvement. Within the Adelaide Zoo some of our
graphics now discuss the program we have undertaken and conversely, in the
Flinders Ranges, signs tell bushwalkers about the program the Zoo has
undertaken.
Two more animals were released in September 1997 to replace
two which had died during the first stage of the program. A large amount of
media interest was shown and Optima Energy used the opportunity to demonstrate
its environmental conscience. Data gained from the program will be published in
scientific literature and raise the profile of zoos in the scientific community
as well as adding to our knowledge about the species.
As a result of the work undertaken and the positive feedback
obtained, Optima Energy have agreed to fund a biological survey of the region in
which it is located. A great benefit for our knowledge of the state’s
biological richness, which has to a large extent been made possible because of
the zoo community undertaking one of its fundamental roles, i.e. a release to
the wild program for captive-bred animals.
Conclusion
It is our belief that zoos today must demonstrate relevance,
if they do not they will, quite deservedly, disappear. As societies "modernise"
and become harder to satisfy, the old values of the past will no longer suffice.
They modern zoo must recognize these changes in society and in people’s
expectations and adapt. This does not mean that we should pander to every whim
of the public, rather we should be leading the changes.
We must be in the forefront of the conservation movement and
leading public education, not lagging behind like some 19th century anachronism.
Our exhibits must reflect the best standards of animal display and
interpretation, linked with high quality educational graphics informing the
public of the threat facing our vanishing wildlife. Every effort must be made to
demonstrate conservation in action; only then can we justify our existence and
prove that we are "modernising zoos in modernising societies".
References
Barlow S C (1997) "Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby
Introduction - A Conservation Partnership with the Zoo Community, Sponsors and
the Public". ARAZPA Conference, Auckland, March 1997 (in press).
Barlow S C and McAlister E J (1997) "A Release Program
for Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby (Petrogale xanthopus xanthopus) to the
Flinders Ranges, South Australia". Proceedings of the IUDZG Conference
Berlin (in press).
Tudge, Colin (1991) "Last Animals at the Zoo : How Mass
Extinction Can be Stopped". Random Publishing.
World Zoo Conservation Strategy (1993) "The Role of the
Zoos and Aquaria of the World in Global Conservation". IUDZG - the World
Zoo Organization and the Captive Breeding Specialist Group of IUCN/SSC.
