ANIMAL CARE IN ZOOS

       The earliest known zoo was the Park of Intelligence in the province of Hunan.It was started by a Chinese ruler about 1150 B.C.Today zoo facilities are limited so zookeepers cannot keep every animal on display year-round.In the winter in colder climates ,most birds must be brought indoors.But zoo keepers  cannot always keep each bird on view for the public.Many visitors are surprised to see some animals remain outside all year.Penguins ,polar bears,and timber wolves are happy outdoors in wintertime.Some animals, like reptiles and small desert animals, are always indoors in northern areas.Zookeepers must provide indoor shelters for large animals such as elephant.Think how large those shelters must be!Today zoologists understand much more about animal behaviour so zoos are being designed that are similar to the animals' natural habitats.Vievers can closely observe animals at parks where they roam free.Zoo kitchens keep a wide variety of foods which  are used to prepare meals that meet each animal's nutritional needs.Zoo contribute to wildlife  conservation and they nurture species that are in danger of becoming extinct.