A Different Nature: The Paradoxical World of Zoos and Their Uncertain Future

Humanity has had an enduring desire for close contact with exotic animals—from the Egyptian kings who kept thousands of animals, including monkeys, wild cats, hyenas, giraffes, and oryx, to the enormously popular zoological parks of today. This book, the most extensive history of zoos yet published, is a fascinating look at the origins, evolution, and—most importantly—the future of zoos.

David Hancocks, an architect and zoo director for thirty years, is passionately opposed to the poor stan...