300159 SE The Future of Zoos: Animal Care, Conservation, and Ethical Perspectives (2026W)

Zoological gardens and other animal-husbandry institutions (sanctuaries, breeding stations, etc.) play an important role in species and nature conservation. Over the history of zoos, wildlife parks, and related institutions, expectations for animal care have evolved. Today, species-specific factors—such as the social behavior of each species—must be central to modern zoo husbandry. In their natural habitats, wild animals have diverse needs and behaviors shaped by climatic conditions, the availability of food and water, species-specific social structures, territorial dynamics, predators, competition, and much more.

Ex-situ husbandry—outside the natural habitat—is ultimately a compromise. It aims to replicate original living conditions and those factors that humans consider critical as closely as possible in order to enable species-appropriate care.

But what exactly does “species-appropriate husbandry” mean? What constitutes a scientifically managed zoo? What are its responsibilities? And is keeping animals in zoos still appropriate today? What should the zoo of the future look like, and what roles should it fulfill? We will explore and discuss these core questions together in this seminar. Additional topics include conceptual foundations of zoo biology, animal behavior, animal ethics and husbandry conditions, educational outreach, and methods of zoo and wildlife research.

The seminar will also include two to three excursions to Tiergarten Schönbrunn (Vienna Zoo), including a backstage tour. Director Dr. Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck will join us for a one-hour discussion of these topics. We will also meet, via Zoom, the director of an elephant-husbandry facility in South Africa.