Communication in the study of zoological gardens
Communication in the study of zoological gardens

Summary/Abstract: Th is chapter has in its centre the analysis of primarily nonhuman but also human communication, and it aims to discover how human cultural perceptions, attitudes and management influence animal communication with its conspecifi cs, other species and the environment. J. von Uexküll’s concept of umwelt (e.g. Uexküll 1982; chapters 1 and 2 this volume), A. Farina’s and A. Belgrano’s concept of eco-fi eld (e.g. Farina, Belgrano 2006) are essential in analysing zoo animals’ communication. In addition, H. Hediger’s work on zoobiology (e.g. Hediger 1964, 1969) proves to be crucial in the context of the zoo. Th is chapter proposes that a more holistic view, which is inclusive of animals’ communication, is the best basis for comprehending and helping to resolve the difficulties that zoological gardens face in their endeavours. Zoological gardens are hybrid environments, where the cultural environment is intertwined with nature and where intra- and interspecies communication, including that of humans, takes place. In addition, these social, cultural and conservational institutions impart messages of their identity and goals. How the zoo environment is perceived by people and how its inhabitants and humans are able to communicate with and within this environment is dependent on the zoological garden’s historical background, designed environment, goals and portrayed self-image. As semiotic research objects, due to their hybrid nature, zoological gardens prove to be remarkably rich and diverse, providing myriad interconnected semiotic aspects to inquire about. Understanding the interconnectedness and complementarity of the biological, ecological and cultural sides of many topics in the study of zoological gardens should reveal why inconsideration of or disregard for different aspects that are involved in constituting zoological gardens may lead to discrepancies or conflicts in the ways that zoological gardens operate.

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