Capturing spontaneous conversation, this book examines the discourse generated during zoo visits and discusses whether the it reflects the stated missions of zoos. Offers insight into children's ideas concerning the role of a zoo in biological conservation.

Founded on the premise that zoos are 'bilingual'-that the zoo, in the shape of its staff and exhibits, and its visitors speak distinct languages-this enlightening analysis of the informal learning that occurs in zoos examines the 'speech' of exhibits and staff as well as the discourse of visitors beginning in the earliest years. Using real-life conversations among visitors as a basis for discussion, the authors interrogate children's responses to the exhibits and by doing so develop an 'informal learning model' and a 'zoo knowledge model' that prompts suggestions for activities that classroom...