I mentioned this on this thread: Open - ZooChat Wiki? , but I thought we could have a new one to discuss it. The thread I linked is the suggestion of adding a wiki to the site. I personally think it is a great idea, but I think we could simplify it a little. Right now, we have three sections devoted a zoo on this site. I'll use the Northeastern Wisconsin Zoo & Adventure Park as the example, because it's my home zoo. We have: Discuss the zoo on the forums: Northeastern Wisconsin Zoo & Adventure Park Forums Here, we can discuss the zoo in the threads we create. In the case of this zoo, there are currently two threads. Upload pictures to the gallery: Northeastern Wisconsin Zoo & Adventure Park | ZooChat Here we upload pictures of the zoo's animals and exhibits to share with the world. The NEW Zoo currently has 160 photos. View the zoo on the maps: Northeastern Wisconsin Zoo & Adventure Park - Satellite Map | ZooChat Here we can view where in the world the zoo is, and what other zoos are close to it. It also includes links to other notable online resources, such as the zoo's website, Facebook, and Twitter. I think we should a new section of the site, where each zoo has a species list, that can be edited every time someone visits the zoo. Then we could have Northeastern Wisconsin Zoo & Adventure Park - Species List, with an updating species list. Pros: We can view the current list of species at the zoo. It can be edited by everyone, and stops us from having them in the forums, where they can't be edited except by moderator. Cons: Kind of useless for European zoos, as Zootierliste exists.
This is a good alternative to zootierliste for the other continents, I like the idea. I wouldn't mind using this for Europe instead of zootierliste as I wouldn't have to learn the German words like 'zucht' for example. Also, it would all be fully integrated which could be nice.
I've added a note to my "ZooChat v4 suggestions" thread: ZooChat v4 suggestions In short: because it requires additional software beyond the core forum software, this isn't something we'll be able to implement until after we upgrade to the next version of the forum software. It is functionality I am keen to look at adding though and I think the species list suggestion is a good one.
I LOVE this idea! I personally try to keep lists - I have lists of mammals for every AZA zoo in the USA, though some I didn't write down specific species, especially with primates (ex. "3 lemur species"), but they're all based on what websites have. Some don't list any, and my limited lists are based on maps, adoption pages, things like that. Omaha is a huge example of not having any lists. Others are sometimes incorrect - the Bronx Zoo still lists walruses but hasn't had them for a while and it isn't sure if they'll be back, according to the Bronx thread, which I otherwise wouldn't have known. I'm hoping to do a few big trips to specific zoos and having species lists is crucial to making my decision on where I want to go.
As someone from the industry, and who toured lots of zoos for work as well as fun, great idea. Zooterliste isnt always up-to-date. I was looking for an african crowned eagle in the U.K. and a collection was wrongly listed. When I was studying and training for the first few years as a keeper, I had use of a great zoo library. Great study aid, didnt have internet access all the time. Full of scientific papers..and old and new guide books worldwide..loved it. I read the species lists on here whilst on cardio machines training (that require 1 hand lol). Love to see more species list. I used to make them on zoo tours, personal and paid..
