Zoo: meaning, definitions and examples

animal park

A zoo is a place where animals are kept for public viewing and conservation purposes. Zoos typically have a wide variety of animals from all over the world, ranging from mammals to reptiles to birds. Zoos play a crucial role in education, research, and conservation efforts.

animal park, menagerie, wildlife sanctuary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
zoo	A place where animals are kept for public viewing, often focusing on education, entertainment, and conservation. Usually found in urban or suburban areas. We took the kids to the zoo to see the new panda exhibit
animal park	Similar to a zoo, but often larger and more spread out, sometimes featuring safari-like experiences. May emphasize theme park elements. The animal park had a safari ride where we saw lions up close
menagerie	A historical term for a collection of captive animals, sometimes used in a literary or old-fashioned context. Can imply a disorganized or unusual assortment. The eccentric millionaire displayed his menagerie of exotic birds and reptiles
wildlife sanctuary	A protected area specifically designed for the conservation and rehabilitation of wildlife. Focuses on giving animals a natural habitat and may limit human interaction. Volunteers work at the wildlife sanctuary to help injured animals return to the wild

Examples of usage

• The children were excited to visit the zoo and see all the different animals.

• The zookeeper takes good care of the animals in the zoo.

• Many zoos participate in breeding programs to help endangered species.

• Visiting the zoo can be a fun and educational experience for people of all ages.

• Zoos often organize special events and programs to raise awareness about wildlife conservation.