National Zoo Lovers' Day

April 8th is National Zoo Lovers' Day. Zoos actually have a lengthy history. The first known one was uncovered in Egypt and dates back to 3500 BC. The Assyrians had a zoo in the 11th century BC, and the Chinese had them about 9 centuries later. King Solomon, King Nebuchadnezzar, Alexander the Great, Henry I of England, and the Aztecs also had such menageries. 

The number of zoos has grown greatly over the years. Counting them can be problematic, however, because one must determine what constitutes a zoo. Several years ago, National Geographic estimated there were over 2,000 zoos in the United States, but I'm not certain what criteria they used to define "zoo." I know of many small animal collections open to the public in my area, and not all of them label themselves as "zoos."

In the United States, any collection of animals is supposed to be licensed and inspected. There are also laws and regulations dealing with specific animals, especially endangered ones. Historically, there have been concerns about animal welfare, but for the most part, conditions have gotten better with the emphasis on natural habitats and larger spaces. The American Zoo Association also has an accreditation process. Yet, the AZA estimates that out of the almost 2,500 recognized zoos in the U.S., only about 10% of them are accreditated.

Most of us enjoy seeing a variety of different animals, and this appeals to all ages. So, if you can, why not take a trip to the zoo to celebrate? In April, you're unlikely to have to contend with crowds, and you can relax more and really enjoy the day.

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