Zoos confront climate crisis: systemic funding, design, and colonial legacies shape animal welfare
Original framing: “Are zoos ready for the changing climate?” — Phys.org
Scientific assessments show that projected temperature increases will exceed the thermal tolerance of many zoo species, especially ectotherms and large mammals, within the next two decades. Empirical studies on heat stress physiology provide concrete thresholds for enclosure redesign and animal monitoring. Yet, many institutions lack longitudinal data linking climate metrics to welfare outcomes.
Zoos sit at the intersection of colonial legacies, climate vulnerability, and public expectation, making them microcosms of broader environmental inequities.
By integrating Indigenous stewardship, passive design, and rigorous scientific modelling, institutions can transform from climate‑sensitive showcases into resilient conservation hubs. Policy mandates and transparent funding pathways are required to overcome entrenched financial structures, while inclusive education reframes zoos as platforms for climate justice. Together, these systemic shifts align animal welfare with global climate mitigation, ensuring that the care of captive species does not become a paradoxical contributor to the crisis.