The zoo as paradoxical discourse : a social space of paradoxical construction and deconstruction of knowledge about animals
The thesis focuses on the role of the zoo for people in today's context. It explores the construction, deconstruction or reconstruction of the knowledge and meaning of non-domestic animals. It examines the influence of current animal rights and conservation discourse on the evolution of the zoo's architecture and purpose, and its effect on those that use the zoo. Fieldwork was conducted in three different zoos in Cape Town; Tygerberg Zoo Park was the main area of fieldwork. Additional fieldwork took place in the Aquarium and the Bee Farm for comparison. Fieldwork took place during six weeks in 2001 and included conservations as well as participant observation, in the zoo, and outside the zoo, with ninety-five visitors.
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