The word "menagerie" refers to a collection of wild or exotic animals, often kept for display or exhibition. Here are some synonyms and their explanations:
1. Zoo
- Explanation: A "zoo" is a well - known institution where a wide variety of animals are housed and exhibited to the public. The main difference between a menagerie and a zoo is that a menagerie can sometimes refer to a more private or less - organized collection of animals, while a zoo is usually a large - scale, professionally run establishment. Zoos typically have a greater focus on conservation, education, and research.
- Example: We visited the city zoo to see lions, tigers, and elephants. A zoo provides a more comprehensive and organized display of animals compared to a traditional menagerie.
2. Animal collection
- Explanation: This is a more general term that simply refers to a group of animals that are gathered together. It doesn't imply the specific setting or purpose like a menagerie or a zoo. An animal collection could be in a private estate, a research facility, or even a small - scale exhibition.
- Example: The wealthy collector had an extensive animal collection that included rare birds and reptiles. This emphasizes the idea of ownership and gathering of different animals, similar to a menagerie.
3. Wildlife park
- Explanation: A wildlife park is an area where wild animals are allowed to roam in a more natural - looking environment than a traditional zoo. It often provides a larger space for the animals to live and behave more as they would in the wild. While a menagerie might have animals in cages or enclosures, a wildlife park aims to give a more immersive experience of seeing animals in a semi - natural habitat.
- Example: The wildlife park was home to herds of deer and antelope. It offers a different way of showcasing animals compared to a menagerie, with a focus on a more natural setting.
4. Vivarium
- Explanation: A "vivarium" is usually a container or an enclosed area, often glass - walled, where small animals or plants are kept and observed. It's typically used for reptiles, amphibians, or insects. In contrast to a menagerie, a vivarium is usually smaller and more focused on a particular type of environment for a specific group of animals.
- Example: The hobbyist set up a vivarium for his collection of tropical frogs. A vivarium is more about creating a specific micro - habitat for a particular set of animals, whereas a menagerie can have a wider variety of animals and settings.
5. Aviary
- Explanation: An "aviary" is a large enclosure for keeping birds. It's a more specialized form of an animal enclosure compared to a menagerie. While a menagerie can have a mix of different animals, an aviary is dedicated solely to birds and provides a space where they can fly and live in a more natural - like environment for birds.
- Example: The aviary at the botanical garden was filled with colorful parrots and songbirds. It's a specific type of enclosure for birds, which can be part of a larger menagerie or a separate attraction.
6. Aquarium
- Explanation: An "aquarium" is a container, usually made of glass, for keeping fish and other aquatic animals and plants. It's a very different kind of collection compared to a menagerie in that it's focused solely on water - dwelling creatures. However, like a menagerie, it's about displaying and observing animals in a controlled environment.
- Example: The aquarium had a beautiful display of tropical fish and coral reefs. It provides a unique way of showcasing aquatic life, distinct from the broader range of animals found in a menagerie.