Vocabulary to Reflect Animal Excellence

 The words we use when communicating to media and visitors make a significant difference in perceived meaning and should reflect our commitment to animal care and welfare.

The list below was created by Cincinnati Zoo’s animal leadership and PR teams and includes some words that should always be replaced with alternatives and others that are okay in certain circumstances.

 

Eliminate (Do not use internally or externally.)

Words	Preferred Alternatives
Captivity	In human care, in zoos, at the Cincinnati Zoo, in professional care,        in managed care, population
Cages	Indoor space, den, behind-the-scenes
Bars	Barriers, mesh
Knock-down	Immobilized, anesthetized, sedation

Not to be used for public documents or interviews, but okay to use internally.

Words	Preferred Alternatives
Holding	Indoor space, den, behind-the-scenes
Collection	Animals in our care, animals in human care, residents, community, family, Zoo population

Use the preferred alternative when you can both internally and externally.

Words	Preferred Alternatives
Exhibit	Habitat, on view, outdoor space, environment
Show	Encounter, Experience
Cat Show	Cheetah Encounter
Cat Show Staff	Cat Ambassador Team (CAT) or Cat Ambassador Program (CAP)
Bird Show	Bird Experience
Tricks	Behaviors, learned behaviors
Toys	Enrichment, enriching experiences
Caught / Grabbed	Restrained, crated
Captured / Collected	Received, rescued, wild born, brought to the Zoo / our care
Shipping	Transporting, brought to the Zoo

 

These words are okay to use, but consider the alternatives

Words	Preferred Alternatives
Industry	Profession, Zoo community, Zoo field
Training	Operant conditioning, learning (preferred), training to demonstrate natural behaviors
Lifespan	Median life expectancy, average lifespan