Postoccupancy evaluations in zoological settings

Abstract

A postoccupancy evaluation (POE) is a systematic assessment performed to examine the effectiveness of the built environment after occupation. Although POEs have been mainly used to examine the effectiveness of built environments for human usage, they can and should be adapted for use in zoological settings. Zoological exhibits have evolved from when hygiene concerns ruled design to current trends that involve elaborate exhibits that often cost millions of dollars. Thus, it is imperative to conduct evaluations to ensure that these exhibits function to meet the complex needs of all users. It is crucial to perform a comprehensive POE that focuses on all three user groups; animals, visitors, and staff. However, work in this field is limited. Animal research has tended to remain very primate-focused with differing opinions as to what constitutes optimal outcomes. Zoo visitor studies often have limited scope and differing methodologies. Additionally, research on zoo staff opinions and feedback is almost nonexistent. A new exhibit opening at a zoo has huge potential for improving the welfare of the animals it will house, enhancing the zoo visitor experience, and improving the workplace for zoo personnel. Building the best possible exhibits requires not only the analysis of how the built environment affects all three groups, but also dissemination of those findings to guide future design.

Husbandry and enclosure influences on penguin behavior and conservation breeding

“…Breeding success alone does not guarantee animal welfare [Dawkins, 1980;Swaisgood, 2007]. Consequently, use of behavioral indicators of welfare has increased to determine psychological and physiological well-being [Hancocks, 2010;Kelling and Gaalema, 2011]. Inadequate enclosures have been associated with behavioral abnormalities such as suppressed activity and stereotypes [Tarou et al, 2005].…”

“…In terms of animal welfare, enclosure suitability can be assessed by the degree to which it meets the biological requirements of its inhabitants [WAZA, ; Fabregas et al, ]. This requires consideration of the species’ natural habitat, ecology and behavior, to ensure that their psychological and physiological needs are met [Hancocks, ; Kelling and Gaalema, ]. Despite a trend toward exhibit naturalism, the dynamic complexity of the natural world has thus far proved challenging to replicate [Kawata, ].…”

Developing a Metric of Usable Space for Zoo Exhibits

“…We certainly do not deny that use of space is important. As Kelling and Gaalema (2011) argue: “analysis of use of space is an essential element to link exhibit design and animal welfare” (2011, p. 602). If animals aren’t using portions of their exhibit, this may be reason to consider them not usable, or to try to find methods to make them more desirable.…”

A modified operational sequence methodology for zoo exhibit design and renovation: Conceptualizing animals, staff, and visitors as interdependent coworkers

“…Balancing zoological goals, AZA accreditation, construction requirements, and user needs presents for a challenging design process. However, these goals are prioritized, zoo spaces should be optimized in order to best serve all user groups, each with their own unique needs; the zoo animals, the zoo visitors, and the zoo staff members responsible for operations [Kelling and Gaalema, ].…”