AR-News: (US DE) Naturalists see healthier, more humane zoo

[Animalara2003 at aol.com]

By ROBIN BROWN
Staff reporter
03/08/2004 
A special group of visitors at the Brandywine Zoo not only saw the animals 
Sunday, but learned how the facility that is getting ready to mark a century of 
operation has evolved over the years. 
Changes range from how the zoo gets its animals to improvements in their 
housing, feeding and care, Larry Ingersoll, assistant general curator, told about 
a dozen members and guests of the Society of Natural History of Delaware. The 
organization promotes public understanding of the natural world. Founded in 
1891, it has more than 350 members, society President Al Matlack of Hockessin 
said. 
Matlack arranged the outing because the zoo's 100th anniversary next year 
provided an opportunity for reflection on how the zoo has changed over time. It 
now takes better care of more diverse animals in more humane settings and takes 
on projects to help endangered animals. Making a healthier and more 
stimulating habitat for animals makes a day at the zoo a more enriching experience for 
visitors, who see animals that act more naturally and aren't bored or 
stressed, Ingersoll said. 
The zoo also has installed new benches, tables and chairs, upgraded its gift 
and snack shops and installed new bathrooms. 
The zoo also focuses on preserving its past. It has saved several cages from 
the 1920s and 1930s and adapted them for smaller animals that need less space. 





full story:

http://www.delawareonline.com/newsjournal/local/2004/03/08naturalistsseeh.html
 
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