General zoos and animal parks have a diverse array of breeds and species from all parts of the world. General zoos and animal parks in the Netherlands Various zoos offer special attractions, such as public feedings, informative exhibitions about the biology, history and habits of the animals, tours, screenings, planetariums, gift shops and even animal performances and shows. Some of these bred animals can eventually even be released into the wild. Many zoos are part of an interconnected network that exchanges possible mates, to diversify the gene pool and the animals’ surroundings. One of the ways zoos try to contribute to animal welfare is with an extensive breeding programme, aimed to keep the numbers up and avoid possible extinction. There is still a lot of moral discussion about zoos, as they do contain animals in captivity, often in and near cities. Cages were replaced by larger habitats, emulating the animals’ natural surroundings. Since the 19th and 20th century, Europe became ever more aware of the importance of animal welfare, especially in zoos. The parks educate visitors on the many animal species that roam our world, and form a platform for pursuing animal rights, preservation and welfare, as well as discussing the boundaries between using and abusing nature. Today, zoos no longer solely serve the purpose of entertainment. Many of the older zoos were originally founded by people with no previous expertise in animal care, and grew from curious private collections to generally accessible attractions. The status and fame that went with showcasing exotic species by far outweighed the welfare of the animals. They were initially showpieces for the elite, but were soon welcoming less rich citizens as well. Zoos have existed in the Netherlands since 1838. Varying greatly in size, shape and popularity, these institutions can be found all around the Netherlands, both in remote nature areas and in the centres of big Dutch cities. Most of these belong to the Dutch Animal Park Association (NVD), and the larger ones are also part of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA). The Netherlands has more than 30 zoos or animal parks.
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