THE ZOO IN A CONCRETE JUNGLE: AN URBAN POLITICAL ECOLOGY OF BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND THE ROLE OF ZOOS

Abstract

Zoos around the world are increasingly adopting key roles in biodiversity conservation, especially those situated within urban cities. Yet, few studies have explored the socio-political processes that confer upon zoos their conservation responsibilities. This paper applies an urban political ecology framework to understanding how zoological institutions – in this context, Wildlife Reserves Singapore – have come to be perceived as bastions of biodiversity conservation, and how they simultaneously contribute to conservation and capitalist development of the city. Interrogating the hegemonic narratives surrounding biodiversity conservation in Singapore also reveals how they shape people’s perceptions of where and how biodiversity conservation should be targeted. In analysing how WRS straddles its dual objectives of biodiversity conservation and commercial viability, especially in relation to its mega-nature attraction, the Mandai Project, this study examines the extent to which the goals of conservation and capitalism can be simultaneously pursued.