If I had a circus | ![]() |
Key differences | Circus | Zoo | ||
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1. | Money | In most instances, a CIRCUS is out to make a profit. | A ZOO is usually operated as a non-profit organization. | |
2. | Location | A CIRCUS typically travels from one location to another. | A ZOO invariably has a fixed location or address. | |
3. | Management | A CIRCUS has a definitive leader - the Ringmaster - who is visible to all. | A ZOO has no publicly recognizable leader. | |
4. | Planning | A CIRCUS performance is well planned.
It is carefully choreographed and orchestrated. |
At a ZOO, things happen randomly, sporadically, and unpredictably. | |
5. | Timing | Actions are critically timed at a CIRCUS. | The sequence of events is very casual at a ZOO. | |
6. | Performance |
A CIRCUS performance is repeatable.
If you saw the CIRCUS performance yesterday, you can see same thing again today. The clowns will do the same jokes. The animals will have their same routines. The clown plans when the laughter will come. (And if he does not get it, he changes his routine.) |
What you see at the ZOO is unpredictable.
If you see a baby elephant born at the ZOO today, you are not likely to see the same thing again tomorrow. If the polar bear is swimming in the water today, he may or may not do so tomorrow. You just never know what you will see. |
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7. | Appearance | A CIRCUS has lots of bright lights and brilliant colors. | A ZOO has lots of earth tones. Things are camouflaged and disguised. | |
8. | Activity |
At a CIRCUS, there is continual action.
Animals demonstrate trained behavior. |
Things are pretty relaxed at a ZOO.
Many of the animals are asleep or otherwise inactive.
Animals demonstrate natural behavior. |
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9. | Sounds |
At a CIRCUS, there are lots of loud noises.
The audience cheers and applauds for CIRCUS activities. You are not likely to find a moment of silence at a CIRCUS. |
Things are largely quiet at a ZOO.
People carry on conversations at a ZOO. You can hear birds sing. |
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10. | Animals |
At a CIRCUS, the animals are coercied (forced) into performing.
They are made to do things that are unnatural for them. |
At a ZOO, the animals are treated kindly.
They are provided natural-like environments where they can feel comfortable and safe. |
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11. | Visitors |
At a CIRCUS, the visitors are assembled together.
Visitors are seated but very energetic. At a CIRCUS, the people watch the animals parade by. |
At a ZOO, the visitors are scattered about.
Visitors are standing and walking but relaxed. At a ZOO, the animals watch the people come and go. |
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12. | Concurrence | At a CIRCUS, all visitors see the same action concurrently. | At a ZOO, different visitors see different things. | |
13. |
Well, you get the picture.
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