Last Animals at the Zoo

“Last Animals at the Zoo” is both a call for action on behalf of the world’s endangered species and a rational defence of the conservation work carried out by zoos. Colin Tudge argues that many of the world’s largest animals will die out unless we use zoos to save them. Without programmes to breed them in captivity, animals such as tigers, apes, elephants and rhinos currently face the threat of total extinction. Colin Tudge describes captive breeding, the genetic factors that must be taken into account, and the conditions required for success. He also explains how zoos are preserving animal behaviour, so that animals will not lose their capacity to live in their proper environment.