ZOO

Zoo, a place where living animals are kept to be exhibited and studied. The name is a popular abbreviation of zoological garden, and most zoos are gardens or parks containing buildings and other enclosures. Zoos usually keep only wild animals, many of them from distant countries. However, some zoos display domestic animals such as cows and hogs to show to city children who have no chance to visit farms. Children's zoos are sometimes included in zoological gardens. They may have nurseries where children can view young animals, and sometimes have areas where children can pet and feed tame animals.

The term menagerie also refers to a collection of animals, but usually to one maintained for commercial exhibition and entertainment. Traveling menageries were popular in days when few persons had opportunities to see zoos in large cities, and became one of the elements making up the huge American circuses. Zoo generally means a permanent exhibition where animals are selected and displayed for educational and scientific purposes. Zoos also provide scientists with opportunities to observe the behavior of animals and to conduct research. Zoos are also important centers of wildlife conservation. Many zoos breed endangered species, some of which are extinct in the wild.