A desirable privation: Exploring silence as a mode of zoo visiting

This article describes and discusses a set of exercises in silent zoo visiting conducted at two zoos the Southwest UK 2019. The visits were part wider project on auditory culture zoos, institutions which have tended to be analysed by reference their concern with visual display captive other-than-human animals (henceforth animals). Linking ideas silence that emerged from work anthropology sound studies respectively, explores notion among many other affordances, can generate opportunities for reflection consideration alternatives, this case relation prevailing often characterised loud anthropogenic sound. Examining extracts observations discussions participants, illustrates how novel form fostered variety types qualities experience. It also provided an impetus participants notice focus specific aspects animal lives they might not otherwise considered. Such meditation could foster feelings connection particular animals, while opening up possibilities more detached contemplation. led produce critical perspectives conventional visiting, imagine future zoos. shows serve as productive methodological tool exploration human-animal relations, demonstrates is integral formation those relations within, implication beyond, zoo.