The problem of human-animal relations has historically significantly impacted the formation of cultural norms, ethical approaches and social practices. From antiquity to modern times, these relationships have evolved, influenced by various philosophical, religious, and scientific concepts. In today's world, where environmental challenges are becoming increasingly urgent, the question of the relationship between humans and other living beings is gaining new meaning, requiring fundamental changes.
As a result of the analysis conducted in the course of the study, it was found that in the aspect of " human-animal", the most common worldview concept since ancient times has been anthropocentrism. At that time, animals were distinguished from humans by the criteria of the absence of a soul, senses, feelings and consciousness, and cognitive functions. Over the past two centuries, science has completely refuted this distinction, thus proving the subjectivity of the animal. The relationship between humans and animals has undergone a significant evolution from the Stone Age to the modern era. The changes in our perception of animals that have occurred throughout history have spiralled from the perception of an animal as a subject, competitor and opponent to impersonal deification and mythologisation, and then through debunking and devaluation to the use of an animal as an object, a resource. And now, through scientific knowledge, we are witnessing a new stage in the subjectivisation of animals, when they are once again perceived by humans as intelligent and emotional beings, partners who deserve respect and protection. This explains the rapid
development of the concepts of animal welfare, animal rights, etc. in the second half of the 20th and early 21st centuries.
The sixth mass extinction leads to a severe crisis of anthropocentrism, as this dominant paradigm, due to the neglect of nature's interests, has led to a rapid anthropogenic reduction of biodiversity. The study finds that at the moment, humanity's view of the relationship between humans and animals mainly consists of three concepts: classical anthropocentrism, as the most powerful concept of previous centuries, modern anthropocentrism in the form of anthropomorphisation, and the third important trend - ecocentrism in the forms of ecocentrism and biocentrism. As a result of the analysis, it is proved that ecocentrism looks like the most promising direction, since it is based on modern scientific knowledge and allows for a harmonious combination of human subjectivity, animal subjectivity and ecosystem subjectivity, which creates an opportunity to preserve not only individual animals but also biogeocenoses in their harmonious integrity.
The subjectification of animals requires the creation of a new subdivision of ecoanthropology - zooanthropology, which has the potential of a separate discipline, since, unlike object-subject ecoanthropology, it is subject-subject, and therefore more multifactorial.
Through the study of the historical dynamics of human-animal relations, it has been found out how deeply the relationship between humans and animals is rooted in our collective consciousness, how it reflects our values, perceptions and beliefs, and how it has changed in accordance with environmental, social and cultural transformations. It has been found that our relationship with animals affects not only animals but also human society itself. This covers everything from our self-awareness to the issues of coexistence with other species on our planet. The development of a social consciousness that takes into account environmental crises, including the sixth mass extinction of animals, has been identified as leading to a significant reassessment of our relationship to animals and nature in general. More and more people are realising the intrinsic value of nature and animals, that humans are only part of the biosphere, not its master, and that our actions have important consequences for other forms of life on the planet. In this context, our actions and decisions, both as individuals and as a society, should be informed by this more inclusive and holistic
view of the world, which should be reflected in education, science and socio-cultural activities.
The study of the development of zoo management allowed us to identify key stages in the historical development of zoos: from private menageries to modern centres for biodiversity conservation, science and education. They reflect important changes in the perception of animals and the role of zoos in society. This analysis can be useful for shaping future zoo development strategies, particularly in view of the increasing role of zoos in biodiversity conservation and the implementation of increasingly stringent animal welfare standards. It also offers valuable potential for research in this area, as it provides an important context for understanding the problems and challenges facing modern zoos.
