ANIMAL CARE IN ZOOS

 The earliest known zoo was the Park of Intelligence in the province of Hunan which was started by a Chinese ruler about 1150 B.C.Due to the fact that zoo facilities are limited today, zookepers cannot keep every animal on display year-round. In the winter in colder climates, most birds must be brought indoors, but zookeepers cannot always keep each bird on view for the public. Many visitors are surprised to see that some animals remain outside all year such as penguins,polar bears and timber wolves which are happy outdoors in wintertime. Some animals are always indoors in northern areas like reptiles and small desert animals, therefore; they always have indoor displays. Zookeepers must provide indoor shelters for large animals such as elephants  whose shelters are really large. Today zoologists understand much more about animal behaviour and zoos are being designed that are similar to the animals' natural habitats. Viewers can closely observe animals at animal parks while  they  are roaming freely. Zoo kitchens keep a wide variety of foods which are used to prepare meals that meet each animal's nutritional needs. Zoos contribute to wildlife conservation and nurture species that are in danger of becoming extinct.