Graduation Semester and Year
2011
Language
English
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Anthropology
Department
Sociology and Anthropology
First Advisor
Christian Zlolniski
Abstract
The recent expansion of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to include culturally-foreign institutions, underscores the ever-increasing globalization of conservation ideas. This paper investigates the structural and cultural barriers faced by recent member, Zooleón, in Guanajuato, Mexico. Distinct structural differences - that underscore the level of corporatization present in U.S. institutions - and a lack of understanding these differences by the AZA has resulted in Zooleón finding itself unable to meet the demands of a polished AZA institution. A significant cultural difference that emerges from the structural differences encountered is paramount importance of family bonding by means of a zoo visit. The zoo also faces cultural barriers encountered amongst its own staff. Class and education distinctions clearly shape interactions with the visiting public and the effectiveness of conservation messaging.
Disciplines
Anthropology | Social and Behavioral Sciences
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Miller, Dustin Kenneth, "Towards A Globalization Of Conservation Models In Zoos: The AZA And The Case Of A Mexican Zoological Park In León" (2011). Sociology & Anthropology Theses. 75.
https://mavmatrix.uta.edu/sociologyanthropology_theses/75
Comments
Degree granted by The University of Texas at Arlington