The ingathering of (non-human) exiles: The creation of the Tel Aviv Zoological Garden animal collection, 1938-1948

Elia Etkin

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

This article examines the formation of the animal collection at the Tel Aviv zoological garden. Using Michel Foucaults concept of heterotopia, the article analyzes the images and practices of animal importation. It shows that in spite of the importance of Zionist enthusiasm in driving the establishment of the Tel Aviv zoo, and the attribution of Zionist vocabulary to animals living in it, its significance cannot be reduced to Zionist ideology and practice. The zoos animal collection was the product of the specific historical, colonial-imperial circumstances formed under the British Mandate. The gathering of the animals reflects the indispensable British contribution to the development of cultural endeavors in Palestine, and the coexistence of British and Zionist aspirations.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)57-74
Number of pages18
JournalJournal of Israeli History
Volume35
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2 Jan 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • British Mandate
  • Tel Aviv Zoo
  • Zionism
  • animal history
  • heterotopia

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Cultural Studies
  • History
  • Political Science and International Relations

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