Again Anthony Sheridan gives us an extensive overview over the leading European Zoos, which he is rating in updated versions of his ranking lists concerning visitor factors, education and conservation, management and organisation. In 2016 his survey contains around 120 Zoos in 28 countries.
Besides abundant information about landscape design, ex-situ and in-situ conservation, and finance and marketing strategies, the author deals with the role of the zoo director – introducing some of the outstanding individuals who occupy the role, friends of the zoos, and national zoo associations. A forward-looking book for all people interested in zoos – sceptics, enthusiasts, visitors, sponsors, zoo owners, politicians, wildlife conservationists and all those working in and for zoos!
Please note that p. 409 is blank; this was not intentional but unfortunately the requested site plan and certain other information was not received from Zagreb Zoo in time for printing. We have since received this information from the publisher and it can be downloaded here (392 kb).
Chapter 1. Introduction 5
Chapter 2. Selection of European Zoological Gardens 7
Chapter 3. Zoological and Botanical Gardens 11
Chapter 4. Importance of Design and Landscaping 17
Chapter 5. Zoo Directors 27
Chapter 6. Europe's Outstanding Zoo Directors 33
Chapter 7. Zookeepers 47
Chapter 8. Education 51
Chapter 9. In-Situ Conservation 57
Chapter 10. Ex-Situ Conservation and EEPs 63
Chapter 11. Signage 85
Chapter 12. Micropia 91
Chapter 13. Friends of the Zoo 97
Chapter 14. Financial, Commercial and Marketing 113
Chapter 15. Elephants in Europe's Zoos 117
Chapter 16. EAZA 123
Chapter 17. Sub-Regional and National Zoo Associations 127
Chapter 18. Europe's Three Best Zoos and the Two Rising Stars 139
Chapter 19. Developments in East European Zoos 161
Chapter 20. Other European Specialist Zoos of Significance 167
Chapter 21. Individual Zoo Profiles 173
Chapter 22. Star Rating of Iconic Species by Zoo 415
Chapter 23. Ranking Lists - Groups A, B, C, D, E 429
Chapter 24. Interesting Zoo Facts 443
Chapter 25. Gibbon Conservation Project in Vietnam 455
Chapter 26. Acknowledgments 461
Enclosure. List of Figures 463
Anthony Sheridan is a life long wildlife enthusiast, a member of the East African Wildlife Society since 1965 and a Fellow of the Zoological Society of London since 1976. He has spent three years visiting, analysing and getting to know 80 leading European Zoological gardens in 21 countries.
"Every once in a while you come across a gem of a book that you just have to share with someone. I think this book is the mother lode of all treasures. It is right up there with the International Zoo Year Books, published annually since 1959 by the Zoological Society of London"
– Richard Hahn, Catoctin Wildlife Preserve & Zoo, ZAA Newsletter & Journal