A virtual zoo is a new concept that uses the
zoo model in a
web
Web most often refers to:
* Spider web, a silken structure created by the animal
* World Wide Web or the Web, an Internet-based hypertext system
Web, WEB, or the Web may also refer to:
Computing
* WEB, a literate programming system created by ...
format. Many virtual zoos are websites that are created to
simulate a visit to a zoo, and the visitors to these sites can view
exhibits about animals and their habitats. Many Zoos as well as schools have developed virtual zoos. For example, instead of actual
animals, a virtual zoo will have
articles and media 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 strictly
educational. Zoos on the web are good sources of animal
information.
History
The first virtual zoo was created in 1994 by Ken Boschert, DVM. 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".
In 2017, Hari Kunduru founde
Zoptiks a modern virtual zoo. Where you can find zoologist backed information about animals and dinosaurs as well as explore them via augmented reality. Similarly, Zoptiks is a zoo directory where you can find zoos, aquariums, wildlife sanctuaries and other zoological organizations around the world.
Purpose
The validity of virtual zoos has 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 and
experience without any
disturbance
Disturbance and its variants may refer to:
Math and science
* Disturbance (ecology), a temporary change in average environmental conditions that causes a pronounced change in an ecosystem
* Disturbance (geology), linear zone of faults and folds ...
to
habits or
ecosystems. According to Zoos Victoria, the stated purpose of a zoo is to be centers for wildlife experience, education, conservation and research. Virtual Zoos can contribute to these stated purposes, such as education and research, with little impact to animal life.
Virtual Zoo during lockdown
Since the
COVID-19 pandemic, families and children were unable to attend zoos due to nationwide lockdowns. For example,
Victoria, Australia offered a 24/7 livestream of animals such as
otters,
lions,
zebras,
birds
Birds are a group of warm-blooded vertebrates constituting the class Aves (), characterised by feathers, toothless beaked jaws, the laying of hard-shelled eggs, a high metabolic rate, a four-chambered heart, and a strong yet lightweigh ...
,
penguins,
leopards,
giraffes, and
koalas.
References
External links
Animal Photos:
"Lawrence Goes To The Zoo"
Educational Virtual Zoos:
"The Electronic Zoo"
* Zoobooks
Virtual Zoo"Mr. Crean's Virtual Zoo"
Selling Animal Products:
"The Big Zoo"
{{Zoos
Zoos