Filled with fascinating facts and entertaining anecdotes, this book is an in-depth look at the radical changes in America's zoos - from cement-paved mazes to simulated rain forests to completely natural landscapes - as well as the history behind the actual idea of the zoo. "The Modern Ark is an excellent book. It is very well researched and its pages are alive with vivid anecdotes. Vicki Croke tackles the most controversial problems of zoos with thoughtfulness and integrity...[For] all those who think seriously about the future of animals in captivity and their survival in the wild."--Jane Goodall.