Mitigating Feelings of Displacement: Exploring Zoological Design Principles in Captivity & Beyond

Abstract

This thesis explores the evolving role of zoos in the Anthropocene, focusing on the integration of ethical design, animal welfare, and conservation within economic sustainability frameworks. It examines how zoos, facing urban expansion and climate change, transition from traditional exhibition spaces to dynamic conservation hubs. The study employs a philosophical and conceptual approach, reviewing literature across landscape architecture, animal psychology, and conservation science, and analyzing case studies on innovative enclosure designs that mimic natural habitats and foster natural behaviors. Additionally, the thesis discusses the economic viability of immersive, naturalistic landscapes that enhance visitor engagement and education, supporting conservation and financial sustainability. It argues that modern zoos must evolve beyond mere exhibition to become proactive agents of biodiversity preservation, facing ethical, ecological, and economic challenges. Through this evolution, intentional zoological design can alleviate feelings of displacement in captive individuals and wild populations. This work contributes to the discourse on global wildlife conservation, proposing sustainable and ethically responsible zoological design practices.