The cultural exchange program that helped China in promoting their zoo’s
Built in 1922, the Houston Zoo offers grand adventures with wild animals in a safe environment. With its 55 acres landscaped to give animals natural habitats, a walk around the trails itself gives a family an easy exercise routine. The more than 800 species shows the diversity of the planet earth and offers an outstanding education experience easy on the budget. All the work has paid off for the Houston Zoo handsomely in that other nations noticed and now want to improve their zoo experience. China has discovered the joys and wonders of promoting zoos in its major urban areas. To create the best zoo experience possible, China has contacted the United States for help.
Built in 1922, the Houston Zoo offers grand adventures with wild animals in a safe environment. With its 55 acres landscaped to give animals natural habitats, a walk around the trails itself gives a family an easy exercise routine. The more than 800 species shows the diversity of the planet earth and offers an outstanding education experience easy on the budget. All the work has paid off for the Houston Zoo handsomely in that other nations noticed and now want to improve their zoo experience. China has discovered the joys and wonders of promoting zoos in its major urban areas. To create the best zoo experience possible, China has contacted the United States for help.
Houston Zoo
Houston Zoo’s expertise comes from managing 6000 permanent animals. It has implemented a policy of continual improvement of its many exhibits. It has used best practices to manage meals, housing and even medical care. The director of animal management with the Guangzhou Zoo, Liu Xiaqing visited and came to the conclusion Houston excelled at animal management.
Houston Zoo’s expertise comes from managing 6000 permanent animals. It has implemented a policy of continual improvement of its many exhibits. It has used best practices to manage meals, housing and even medical care. The director of animal management with the Guangzhou Zoo, Liu Xiaqing visited and came to the conclusion Houston excelled at animal management.
Tu Rongxiu the director of animal breeding and protection with the Shanghai Zoo came as well. He noted that Houston Zoo exhibits mimicked natural habitats making the zoo function as an ecological park. Rongxiu commented on the amount of training required for a zoo keeper in Houston showed in their professional treatment of animals.
A First For Both Parties
It had been the first time Houston zoo officials had hosted China officials. The cultural exchange for both parties proved to be beneficial. An article in Parent Magazine 2009 had declared the zoo in the top 10 of the nation. Chief marketing officer, David Brady, has high hopes for a partnership between zoos in different nations. He believed exchanging information on enrichment, observations and animal welfare leads to better zoo practices. The Houston Zoo’s design ensures families can watch how zoo keepers train and care for animals. Rick Barongi, the current zoo director points out the zoo has a deliberate policy of creating environments that allow even children up close observations of animals and trainers. Creative events such as storytelling, game shows run by children, and transparent tunnels that take children next to wild critters safely all make the Houston Zoo world class.
Humane Society International
The Chinese visit came about through an internship program sponsored by the Humane Society International (HSI). This group comes as the largest animal protection group in the United States. The exchange program started in 2012 with wildlife department director Teresa Telecky. Creating a positive program was an attempt to change the course of zoo management in China. Peter H. Li, who is HSI’s China policy specialist set up the exchange. The intent of the program came as a way to create a two week internship at an accredited American zoo.Rongxiu and Xiaoqing stated the program has increased awareness of what practices work best for animals and that United States officials openly admit what areas need improvement. This gives Chinese zoo directors a heads up on what not to develop and to focus on what does work. The United States willingness to share how the higher standards developed in zoo management, veterinary services, education, animal husbandry and conservation show all the possible ways a zoo can care for animals humanely.
Humane Society International
The Chinese visit came about through an internship program sponsored by the Humane Society International (HSI). This group comes as the largest animal protection group in the United States. The exchange program started in 2012 with wildlife department director Teresa Telecky. Creating a positive program was an attempt to change the course of zoo management in China. Peter H. Li, who is HSI’s China policy specialist set up the exchange. The intent of the program came as a way to create a two week internship at an accredited American zoo.Rongxiu and Xiaoqing stated the program has increased awareness of what practices work best for animals and that United States officials openly admit what areas need improvement. This gives Chinese zoo directors a heads up on what not to develop and to focus on what does work. The United States willingness to share how the higher standards developed in zoo management, veterinary services, education, animal husbandry and conservation show all the possible ways a zoo can care for animals humanely.
Conclusions
Both zoo directors commented that the zoological business in China had grown dramatically in the past 30 years. The rapid growth did not make much time for planning ways that made the experience the most beneficial and safest for the animals. Upon reflection, Chinese zoo directors now wish to take a holistic approach to their practices. Visits outside their country give a fresh perspective, and new ways to approach common problems. The problem has been China and its heavy hand of censorship prevents other countries from easily sharing materials or visiting. By traveling to the United States, zoo directors get full access to global practices without much bureaucracy interfering. With a more global perspective of preserving species leads to naturally developing native habitats. It leads to developing processes and protocols that play to the best interests of all in an interactive way. Though visitors may not see the animals all the time, the native habitats offer learning experiences and enjoyment. Making zoos guardians of animal rights gives them a vested interest in preservation efforts; however they occur.
Both zoo directors commented that the zoological business in China had grown dramatically in the past 30 years. The rapid growth did not make much time for planning ways that made the experience the most beneficial and safest for the animals. Upon reflection, Chinese zoo directors now wish to take a holistic approach to their practices. Visits outside their country give a fresh perspective, and new ways to approach common problems. The problem has been China and its heavy hand of censorship prevents other countries from easily sharing materials or visiting. By traveling to the United States, zoo directors get full access to global practices without much bureaucracy interfering. With a more global perspective of preserving species leads to naturally developing native habitats. It leads to developing processes and protocols that play to the best interests of all in an interactive way. Though visitors may not see the animals all the time, the native habitats offer learning experiences and enjoyment. Making zoos guardians of animal rights gives them a vested interest in preservation efforts; however they occur.