Why Conduct Research at the Zoo?
In a major shift of emphasis, zoos are evolving from recreational facilities into conservation organizations. This transformation involves changes in almost every aspect of the zoo, from how animals are housed to the types of programs offered.
- In old zoos, animals were often housed alone in sterile cages for easy viewing. In modern zoos, animals are housed in social groups in naturalistic settings, which is better for the animal and more educational to the public.
- Rather than capturing animals from the wild most are bred at zoos.
- Funds and effort are now expended to preserve the habitats of animals in their home countries.
Research is essential to these efforts. It is through research that we gather the information needed to make good conservation and management decisions. For example, in order to maintain animals in naturalistic settings, we need to know what their habitat is like in the wild. In order to provide the animals with what they need to exhibit their natural behaviors (environmental enrichment) we need to know what these natural behaviors are. In order to preserve natural populations of animals we need to know how they use their environment and what aspects of their habitat are vital to them. The list goes on and on, and requires work both at zoos and in the wild. The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium embraces this new philosophy and has a very active conservation and research program.
Who Conducts Research at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium?
Research at the Zoo is conducted by outside scientists as well as Zoo staff. If you are a qualified investigator (grad students count!) and have a project you would like to carry out at the zoo, click here for a copy of our Research Project Application Form. Or e-mail our Director of Science and Conservation, Dr. W.R. Langbauer Jr., for further information.
Are You a Student Researching a Project?
Check out the Oakland Zoo's hints for students - it's full of good advice on how to get started.
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