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This Happened

This Happened - February 18: Maidan Revolution Begins

On this day nine years ago, the Maidan revolution, also known as the Revolution of Dignity, began in Kyiv, and spread throughout Ukraine.


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What were the causes of the Maidan Revolution?

The main cause of the Revolution of Dignity was widespread dissatisfaction with the corruption and authoritarianism of President Viktor Yanukovych and his government. Many Ukrainians also wanted closer ties with the European Union and saw the rejection of the trade agreement as a step away from that goal.

What was the outcome of the Ukrainian revolution?

The outcome of the Ukrainian revolution was the ousting of President Yanukovych and the installation of a pro-Western government. The new government implemented a series of political and economic reforms, but it also faced a number of challenges, including the annexation of Crimea by Russia and the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine.

Did the Ukrainian revolution have any impacts on the region?

The Ukrainian revolution had a major impact on the region and the world. It led to a significant deterioration in relations between Russia and Ukraine, and between Russia and the West. It also sparked a chain of events that led to the annexation of Crimea by Russia, the ongoing conflict in Eastern Ukraine, and ultimately Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

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Green

A Naturalist's Defense Of The Modern Zoo

Zoos are often associated with animal cruelty, or at the very least a general animal unhappiness. But on everything from research to education to biodiversity, there is a case to be made for the modern zoo.

Photograph of a brown monkey holding onto a wired fence

A brown monkey hangs off of mesh wire

Marina Chocobar/Pexels
Fran Sánchez Becerril

-OpEd-

MADRID — Zoos — or at least something resembling the traditional idea of a zoo — date back to ancient Mesopotamia. It was around 3,500 BC when Babylonian kings housed wild animals such as lions and birds of prey in beautiful structures known as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.

Ancient China also played a significant role in the history of zoos when the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) created several parks which hosted an assortment of animals.

In Europe, it wouldn't be until 1664 when Louis XIV inaugurated the royal menagerie at Versailles. All these spaces shared the mission of showcasing the wealth and power of the ruler, or simply served as decorations. Furthermore, none of them were open to the general public; only a few fortunate individuals, usually the upper classes, had access.

The first modern zoo, conceived for educational purposes in Vienna, opened in 1765. Over time, the educational mission has become more prominent, as the exhibition of exotic animals has been complemented with scientific studies, conservation and the protection of threatened species.

For decades, zoos have been places of leisure, wonder, and discovery for both the young and the old. Despite their past success, in recent years, society's view of zoos has been changing due to increased awareness of animal welfare, shifting sensibilities and the possibility of learning about wild animals through screens. So, many people wonder: What is the purpose of a zoo in the 21st century?

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