Zoos & Menageries in Graeco-Roman Egypt

The term "zoos" as it is now known did not exist in ancient civilizations. Menageries and gardens began as an important part of the palace ancient Egypt.
Animals were important for Egyptians in both sides the religion and life. They interest in keeping animals such as elephants, gazelles, crocodiles ,lions, hippopotamus , leopards, deer, giraffes ,ostriches and birds may be for many purposes, may be for practical , religious and military purposes. The main means to obtain animals was hunting, or Trade, or confiscation.
Hierakonpolis (Nekhen), is consider the site of the world’s first zoo. But this zoo holds only the mummified remains of animals. Queen Hatshepsut may have established an exhibition of animals when she sent an expedition to Punt to bring animals. Having wild animals in custody has sometimes been used as a means for rulers to display their power. The rulers continued to collect plants and animals, especially in the new kingdom, ThutmusIII and Akhenaten had zoos in their palace garden.
Ptolemy II was the first Ptolemaic ruler who interested in collecting animals, especially exotic animals, in his palace's garden; it was such a zoo where he kept several types of animals and birds. Many of Ptolemaic rulers also had strange animals in their places' gardens to show off .
Roman Emperors also interested in collecting animals and especially wild animals and they considered collecting exotic and rare animals is a feature of luxury.