Designing a Zoo Exhibit

Why do zoo exhibits exist? Are they built to create a comfortable and healthy home for the animals? Or are they meant for the education and entertainment of the visitors? What do you think?

Your ideas and beliefs about the purpose of zoos affect the kind of zoo exhibit you would design and build for a tiger. Let's look at the three main aspects of zoo exhibit design--space, environment, and care--and see what you think. (It's also very important to ensure zookeeper and visitor safety, so we'll consider these aspects in the design process as well.)

Answer each question according to your beliefs. You'll find more information about exhibit design in the response to your answer.

Space

How much space does a zoo tiger need?

Give the tiger as much space as possible, to recreate its wilderness home

Limit the amount of space in the exhibit so the tiger is always close to visitors

Environment

Most zoo designers believe that exhibits should imitate the animal's natural environment? Why?

To make the tiger feel at home

To educate people about the tiger's natural habitat

Care

How would you feed and care for a zoo tiger?

Recreate as much as possible the tiger's natural feeding habits and diet

Develop a regulated, scientifically-formulated diet and feeding schedule

(Remember, you can leave the handbook open and switch back to the Adventure window, or simply close the Handbook window when you're done.)