- Virtual Zoo
A Virtual Zoo is a new concept that uses the
zoo model in aweb format [http://www.waza.org/virtualzoo/index.php?main=virtualzoo] . Virtual zoos are basically websites that are created tosimiulate a visit to a zoo, and the visitors to these sites can viewexhibits about animals and their habaits. Many Zoos [http://www.alaskazoo.org/tour.htm] as well as schools [http://pioneerschooldistrict.org/education/staff/staff.php?sectionid=146] have developed virtual zoos. For example, instead of actualanimals a virtual zoo will havearticles and photos as exhibits. There are many virtual zoos that have been created most are small and unremarkable, while some have hundreds of exhibits.Many of these projects focus on photos of
animals or the sale of animal products. Some virtual zoos are strictlyeducational . Zoos on the web are good sources of animalinformation .History
The first virtual zoo was created in 1994 by
Ken Boschert , DVM. [http://netvet.wustl.edu/e-zoo.htm] Dr. Boschert created his site as a way of informing people about animals and how to care for them. His site has been recognized by"Education World" and "Web 100".Many Virtual zoos Claim to be the first or the largest. By visiting the virtual zoos it is easy to see that some stand out as high quality resources and others are just pictures or
advertising .Purpose
The validity of virtual zoos have met with some resistance. However, many view virtual zoos as the way of the future for conservation. Zoos have faced ethical issues surrounding the
capture and keeping of wild animals. Virtual zoos can provide information andexperience without anydisturbance tohabits orecosystems . [ [http://www.waza.org/ethics/index.php?main=ethics WAZA - World Association of Zoos and Aquariums - Animal Welfare & Ethics ] ]References
External links
Animal Photos:"Lawrence Goes To The Zoo" [http://www.lawrencegoetz.com/zoo/]
Educational Virtual Zoos:"Pioneer Virtual Zoo" [http://pioneerschooldistrict.org/education/staff/staff.php?sectionid=146] "The Electronic Zoo" [http://netvet.wustl.edu/e-zoo.htm] "
Zoobooks Virtual Zoo" [http://www.zoobooks.com/newFrontPage/animals/virtualZoo/petme.html] "The Virtual Zoo" [http://library.thinkquest.org/11922/index.htm] "The Wild Ones" [http://www.thewildones.org/vzoo.html] "Mr. Crean's Virtual Zoo" [http://www.mrcrean.com/virtualzoo]Selling Animal Products:"The Big Zoo" [http://www.thebigzoo.com/]
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