Surely this is unequalled by any other group of public conservation oriented organisations. A further advantage is that zoos are truly egalitarian and, in many countries, draw their visitors from a wider cross-section of society than, say, many museums, historic attractions or comparable places. Quite simply, all ages, creeds, races and social backgrounds visit zoos - not only families with children. Zoo educators are faced with numerous possible target audiences with whom to develop concepts, refine skills and nurture attitudes about the natural world, our impact upon it and responsibilities to it. This is an unprecedented time for zoos to teach about biodiversity and its conservation.
Zoos are at the forefront of conservation biology and education.
They hold vast numbers of animals that could augment wild populations in the future. Such aspects of conservation management could be very effective education and public awareness tools. The unique contributions of zoo education to formal school education are myriad. Animals are a great stimulus for cross-curricular education, and with imagination one can teach anything from art to zoology in a zoo. And to take people from awareness to action.