AA-2026-E95D84
On the image
A large rhinoceros contentedly eats its portion of hay, oblivious to the carefully constructed world of concrete and faux-rock that humans have deemed suitable for its exhibition. This era's zoo designs were considered a significant step forward, providing animals with an illusion of space rather than the overt confinement of bars.
Above, a concrete walkway built to resemble natural stone allows spectators to observe from a safe, elevated distance, while thatched sunshades offer a touch of exoticism for both the animals and the paying public. The entire setup is a marvel of human ingenuity aimed at making wild animals seem slightly less wild, for a small fee.
Another rhino stands partially visible, sharing the space and the hay, living out its existence in a meticulously maintained, sandy patch of what passes for wilderness in an urban setting. Everyone involved, from the animal to the visitor, seems to accept this arrangement as perfectly normal.
The historian's note
This image documents a rhinoceros enclosure at a zoological park during the 1970s. Zoo architecture in this period frequently moved away from older barred cages towards more 'naturalistic' exhibits, typically characterized by concrete structures designed to mimic natural rock formations, open pits, and limited vegetation.
These enclosures aimed to improve animal welfare and enhance the visitor experience, offering the public a perception of animals in more expansive, wilder settings. While an improvement over earlier designs, they still represented a highly controlled and artificial environment for large mammals like rhinoceroses.
Such exhibits were central to the educational and conservation missions of zoos, allowing public access to and fostering appreciation for species that were increasingly threatened in their natural habitats, while also supporting breeding programs.
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Rhinos in 1970s Zoo Enclosure. 1970–1979. Archive & Atlas, Historical Image Library, AA-2026-E95D84. https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/rhinos-in-1970s-zoo-enclosure.
@misc{aaAA2026E95D84,
title = {Rhinos in 1970s Zoo Enclosure},
year = {1970–1979},
howpublished = {Archive \& Atlas, Historical Image Library},
note = {Accession AA-2026-E95D84},
url = {https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/rhinos-in-1970s-zoo-enclosure}
}TY - ART TI - Rhinos in 1970s Zoo Enclosure PY - 1970–1979 PB - Archive & Atlas, Historical Image Library AN - AA-2026-E95D84 UR - https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/rhinos-in-1970s-zoo-enclosure ER -
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