It is evident that modern zoos are attempting to educate visitors about animals and earth sciences, as well as implementing conservation and research programs for endangered species as stated in the World Association of Zoos and Animals priorities (WAZA, n.d.). However, despite their noble intentions and friendly image, zoos have some darker moments in their history. The animals in the first zoos, which date back to ancient times, were an exotic addition to the owner's assets and a status symbol.
In the 1970s, the rapid growth of animal rights movements brought a new perspective to the debate about the human-animal relationship. Zoos made efforts to rebrand themselves as places of education and conservation. The shift in ethics of the modern zoo is evident in the contrast between old and new zoo architecture, therefore a visit to the zoo established in the 18th or 19th is a fascinating experience.
A great example of this contrast can be found in The Wrocław Zoological Garden - the oldest zoo within polish borders. Since its foundation in 1865, it has constantly been expanding and building new enclosures for animals. Undoubtedly the historical buildings make the zoo more interesting, but they also create challenges. The way the renovations of the older buildings are carried out raises a question: how the historic buildings of Wrocław zoo were adapted to meet the 21st-century ethics of keeping animals?
This thesis will analyze the topic of heritage architecture in Wrocław zoo from two perspectives. The first one is presenting the zoo through the lens of history, pointing out the changes that buildings and structures went through and highlighting the general trends in their preservation. Despite its complex history, Wrocław Zoo was not a subject of such analysis.
The other important topic in the debate about the zoo is the ethics of keeping animals. The main points of such debate will be discussed and supported by examples from the Wrocław Zoo. This thesis will analyze the renovations of heritage buildings in Wrocław Zoo and will add a layer of discussion about the ethics of keeping animals.
By analyzing the existing literature, the generations of zoo buildings will be drawn out. Then by presenting the history of Wrocław zoo, from its foundation till the modern-day, through photographs and publications, the characteristic buildings representative of each generation of zoo architecture will be described. Two case studies of renovation work in the Wrocław zoo will be presented: the Bear fortress as it is the oldest building in the Wrocław zoo and the birdhouse as it is the newest finished renovation project. Then by describing ethical views on the human-animal relationship throughout the ages, the previously discussed events in Wrocław zoo will be analyzed. Then, the discussion will focus on assessing the methods of renovation of buildings in Wrocław zoo and conclude on the direction zoo architecture has taken.