How Technology Changes have altered Human-Animal Encounter

How Technology Changes have altered Human-Animal Encounter

Zoos enable humans to experience wildlife, especially shy and dangerous animals in close proximity and from a vantage point as compared to when they are in the wild. Over time, the purpose of a zoo has transformed from colonial styles to even more contemporary designs as experienced in the modern times. The designers of colonial zoos intended to show off non-native or exotic animal species from the nation’s distinct occupied locations. Today in Australia, zoos are present in nearly all key cities and urban areas. In fact, they are a fundamental part of recreation and tourism, and are vital centres of conservation and animal education. Not only do the modern zoos display multiple varieties of wildlife from varied parts of the globe, but also they show different plant species that accommodate them. Moreover, style, size and design of animal enclosures have changed, so does the way that mankind interact and view the wildlife. The visitor experience is enhanced by theme creations in relation to the nature of the habitat. As a result, the meaning of human-animal encounter has significantly changed because of evolving display forms in the modern zoos.

As Anderson (2004) observes, the design, style and size of the animal enclosures at the zoo have changed remarkably in the modern times as compared to the colonial times. In the past, enclosures were tiny and made up of incorporated iron bars or metal fencing. In extreme cases, the designers utilized bricks and other strong materials to contain dangerous animals in captivity. In Melbourne zoo, for instance, two old enclosures made up of bricks and iron bars still exist today. The more identifiable of the two was set up in the year 1927 for an exhibition of orang-utans. Today, these buildings have been set aside for historical purposes and public display. Both of them are highly confined spaces and resemble prison cells. It implies that the displayed animals during early 20^th Century were used to symbolize human power over nature. A nature-human dualism such as this (Plumwood, 1993) has changed over time because today, the enclosures at Melbourne Zoo have a fully reversed style and design to make them larger and to encourage interaction between humans and wild animals. Use of iron bars in enclosures has been replaced by other materials to guarantee that the animals do not escape from the captivity hence posing a danger to tourists and visitors to the zoo.

In addition, the designers use trenches that filled with water. In Melbourne zoo, large and transparent glass panels, elevated viewing platforms and natural platforms are incorporated for clarity and better view. Besides, the landscape relief is used for conception of natural boundaries. For example, the Melbourne Zoo’s enclosure for orang-utan was constructed at the tiny slope bottom with natural walls and water-filled trenches. The tour guides lead viewers through a gradually elevated platform for improved visibility of the enclosure. A design such as this brings the tourists at a closer proximity to the orang-utans that often hang on climbing structures and elevated ropes (Mazur, 2001).

It should be noted that the modern enclosures are not designed specifically for the direct display of animals as in the case of old artificially-looking cages. Instead, the zoo management contemplates a creation of an interactive experience between people and animals, thus making it harder for the tourist to distinguish between animal visitations in a natural habitat a zoo experience. On the other hand, the animals become satisfied and comfortable in the setting. In light of this, it is clear that the human-animal encounter has changed over time because of changing display forms for wild animals in their enclosure.

Fig 1: An old enclosure still operational and present specifically for display purposes at Melbourne Zoo. Enclosures such as this are a common sight, small and completely enclosed. They were designed in early 20^th Century and incorporate bricks and iron bars. Particularly, the zoo authorities used this enclosure to contain orang-utans.

Fig 2: This is a modern enclosure that house orang-utans in the modern times. It is clearly distinct from figure 1 though both served a particular purpose at different times. Figure 2 incorporates climbing structures for the zoo animals. It also has fauna for a natural environment. In addition, iron bars in figure 1 have replaced the trenches in the modern structure as depicted in figure 2.

In Melbourne zoo, a single species of animals can play a vital role in the establishment of ecological link, which is important to the existence and survival of other species. In this regard, it is likely that mankind will be affected in the society and economically. Animal statues are a common sight at strategic locations within the zoo. They were constructed with an intention to enhance the experience of viewers, especially children. The tourists take photos close to the statues while others are used as sitting points. Additionally, Melbourne zoo shop and other centres within the zoo next to particular animal enclosures sell soft toys and other animal souvenir products. It contrasts sharply when compared to early years in the zoo, when the shops were non-operational. Animal toys and statues wield a psychological effect that enables children, tourist and zoo visitors to appreciate the animals in captivity (Berger, 1980).

Some themes are developing in zoos today. Habitats are grouped together to form an environmentally friendly environment such as a rainforest. Several themes are observable in Melbourne Zoo, which include the elephant village, the area that surrounds orang-utan enclosure, and the rainforest trail. The rainforest trail incorporates flora of a native forest, conservation campaigns and posters, and signs warning of tiger dangers. On the other hand, the elephant trail is constructed intentionally to resemble a village located within an Asian forest. In fact, the elephant trail is completed with a near-genuine village house. In this location, humans are warned of dangers posed by elephants. The zoo authorities emphasize the need for vigilance, care, and respect for elephants and other wild animals. Within the elephant trail, the zoo management hang a barrel bearing words such as Bang Here to Scare Elephants! Other signs of Danger! And Caution were also available along the trail.

Fig 3: Transparent Glass Windows replacing iron bars for clear visibility of wild animals. In addition, descriptions of distinct species of animals are visible for the viewers to understand the historical background of hosted orang-utans.

It is evident that the designers of orang-utan enclosure (as depicted in figure 3) and its visitor centre adopted a traditional Borneo theme from South-East Asia (a natural habitat of orang-utan). The main aim of this design is to educate the people on the natural origins of particular animals. It also groups distinct animal species in similar habitats. Themes enable visitors to experience Melbourne Zoo differently and interestingly (De Courcy, 1995). They recreate and simulate the experience of walking around the themed habitats besides acting as a symbol of masculinity because of the hunting experience (Hughes, 2013). Moreover, a native language is used in orang-utan enclosure and the elephant trail to enrich the themed experience and to offer an accurate understanding to a viewer with regards to the geographical locations of the specific animals hosted in the enclosures. Cautioning of the danger of animals such as tiger and elephants highlights dominance and power of such animals over humans unless people are armed. Therefore, humans should respect these dominant animals to promote cohesiveness and animal-human equality.

In summary, it is clear that animal-human encounter in Australian zoos has transformed tremendously from a display of animals as objects in bare, tiny, brick and iron bar enclosures to hosting wildlife in distinctly designed, specialized, and open enclosures identical to the animal’s natural setting. Habitats like these promote a more interactive experience between the animals and viewers, hence creating an understanding of the need to protect wildlife from human encroachment that can result in extinction and environmental imbalance. Furthermore, different means are employed within Melbourne Zoo to educate tourists and to promote conservation of animals. Use of themes is common in modern zoos in Melbourne. Different animals are grouped according to natural habitats to improve their conditions while in captivity. Categorizing and enclosing similar animals in one area enhances the viewer experience as well.

Bibliography

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De Courcy, C. 1995, The Zoo Story. Melbourne, Melbourne Zoo. Print.

Hughes, R. (2013), ‘Animal Geographies: Case Study: Hunting with the Gun and Camera’, Society and Environments GEOG0001. Print.

Mazur, N. 2001 After the Ark? Environmental Policy-Making and the Zoo. Melbourne,
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