What is a "menagerie" typically defined as?

A "menagerie" is typically defined as a collection of wild or unusual animals for exhibition. This term historically refers to a place where such animals are kept, often for the purpose of public display and education. Menageries were precursors to modern zoos, where a variety of animals, including exotic species not commonly found in the wild, would be showcased to the public.

The essence of a menagerie lies in its function as a display space, emphasizing both the diversity of wildlife and the human interest in observing these animals up close. This definition captures the context in which menageries operated, particularly in earlier centuries, when access to wild animals was limited, and their exhibition served both entertainment and educational purposes. The other options would not accurately represent the full scope of a menagery's purpose or its historical context.