Quantifying long‐term impact of zoo and aquarium visits on biodiversity‐related learning outcomes

Jensen, Eric; Moss, Andrew; Gusset, Markus

doi:10.1002/zoo.21372

Cited by 50 publications

(33 citation statements)

References 12 publications

(22 reference statements)

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…When analyzing conservation knowledge retention, some studies have found that visitors’ conservation knowledge and interest persisted after a zoo visit (Jensen, 2014; Moss et al, 2015), but this new understanding rarely results in new conservation actions (Adelman et al, 2010; Miller et al, 2013). However, other studies suggest zoos prompt visitors to rethink their roles in conservation issues after their visit (Falk et al, 2007; Clayton et al, 2017; Jensen et al, 2017). While this is an emerging area of research interest, several studies support that the level and type of engagement with conservation and animals during the zoo experience affect not only visitors’ knowledge retention but also post-visit behavior.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

What Is the Zoo Experience? How Zoos Impact a Visitor’s Behaviors, Perceptions, and Conservation Efforts

2019

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Modern zoos strive to educate visitors about zoo animals and their wild counterparts’ conservation needs while fostering appreciation for wildlife in general. This research review examines how zoos influence those who visit them. Much of the research to-date examines zoo visitors’ behaviors and perceptions in relation to specific exhibits, animals, and/or programs. In general, visitors have more positive perceptions and behaviors about zoos, their animals, and conservation initiatives the more they interact with animals, naturalistic exhibits, and zoo programming/staff. Furthermore, zoo visitors are receptive to conservation messaging and initiatives at zoos and are more likely to participate in on-site conservation opportunities as opposed to after their visits. The research also suggests that repeat visitors are even more inclined to seek out conservation efforts compared to those visiting zoos for the first time. While current research suggests that repeat visitors are more likely to engage in conservation efforts, little is known about causal factors related to such findings, and almost no research exists to-date comparing the conservation efforts of visitors vs. non-visitors. This latter comparison will likely play a greater role in future zoo visitor research, since it poses one of the most important metrics for evaluating the specific effects visiting a zoo can have on people engaging in conservation efforts in general.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

What Is the Zoo Experience? How Zoos Impact a Visitor’s Behaviors, Perceptions, and Conservation Efforts

2019

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Many interpretive displays and programs in these settings aim to connect visitors with new information or resources, promote environmental literacy, or influence behaviors to augment environmental stewardship (Benton, 2009). Educational exhibits and programs at these facilities can stimulate conservation interest, awareness, enthusiasm, and advocacy (Briseño-Garzón et al, 2007;Falk & Adelman, 2003;Jensen et al, 2017;Wyles et al, 2013). Over 200 million people visit World Association of Zoos and Aquariums facilities around the globe annually, with U.S. facilities hosting 183 million people each year (Association of Zoos & Aquariums, 2020).…”

Section: Learning About Environmental Issues At Aquaria Zoos Museums and Parksmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Exhibits and educational campaigns with effective messaging, and those which link conservation goals to concrete everyday life, can empower people and ultimately turn behavioral intentions into actions (e.g., Ballantyne et al, 2007;Chase et al, 2009;Korkala et al, 2014;Leisher et al, 2012;Napper & Thompson, 2020;Sujata et al, 2019). Zoos and aquaria can increase knowledge of conservation-related concepts in both the immediate and long-term (Jensen et al, 2017). In fact, positive effects from visits to parks, zoos, and aquaria can persist for years post-visit (Ballantyne et al, 2018).…”

Section: Learning About Environmental Issues At Aquaria Zoos Museums and Parksmentioning

confidence: 99%

Aquarium Visitor Engagement with an Ocean Plastics Exhibit: Effects on Self-Reported Intended Single-Use Plastic Reductions and Plastic-Related Environmental Stewardship Actions

Baechler

Granek

Carlin-Morgan³

et al. 2020

Journal of Interpretation Research

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Plastic pollution requires, among a suite of other interventions, education to inspire behavioral change and reduce consumption of single-use items. We designed and installed an ocean plastics exhibit at the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, Oregon, USA. We evaluated visitor engagement and the effects of the exhibit on their reported single-use plastic and plastic-related environmental stewardship intentions. Timed interaction observations ( n = 317) revealed children (0–17 years) engaged more with interactive elements than adults (18–80+ years). Ten single-use plastic reduction and plastic stewardship intentions were evaluated through structured questionnaires; the top three behaviors visitors intended to change were: using a reusable straw (37.4%), cleaning the beach (37.4%), and bring-your-own bag to the store or market (33.0%). 18 to 29 year olds had the highest change in desire to address the ocean plastics problem before and after seeing the exhibit, but the lowest likelihood of engaging in either single-use plastics reduction or plastic stewardship actions of all age groups.

show abstract

“…Modern zoological institutions manage their collections in pursuit of several objectives which require resources and face constraints: education, outreach and engagement, sustainable management of the ex situ population, and support for in situ research and conservation (e.g., Gilbert & Soorae, ; Jensen, Moss, & Gusset, ). Unfortunately, six of the eight extant bear species are of conservation concern (IUCN Operations Intelligence Center, ; http://www.iucn.org), thus zoo‐housed bears—charismatic and popular among zoo visitors—may be effective conservation ambassadors for their wild counterparts.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Andean bear alopecia syndrome may be caused by social housing

et al. 2019

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The Andean bear alopecia syndrome is a progressive and chronic condition documented in ex situ populations. Recent advances focus on treating symptoms, not preventing future cases. We therefore explored the epidemiology of this syndrome through an analysis of husbandry and veterinary conditions of 63 Andean bears (26M:37F) housed in North and South American zoos and other ex situ circumstances. We had the most complete information for the North American population and found that 29% of females (n = 24) were affected. No males (n = 26) were affected. An analysis of generalized linear models indicated that three models were competitive in describing the occurrence of the condition (i.e., ΔAICc ≤ 2): the model including only the individual's sex (χ2 = 13.41, df = 1, p < .001), the model including both individual sex and social housing status (χ2 = 1.36, df = 2, p < .001), and the model including both individual sex and the expression of stereotypical behaviors (χ2 = 13.82, df = 2, p = .001). Stereotypical behaviors were common among both males (50%, n = 26) and females (51.9%, n = 27) whether or not they were affected, but the syndrome was seen only in females who had been socially housed. Therefore, we suggest that the Andean bear alopecia syndrome is a symptomatic response to the long‐term social housing of bears that would otherwise not live socially. To prevent new cases, we recommend that female Andean bears be housed with adult conspecifics only when females choose to cohabitate.

show abstract

Quantifying long‐term impact of zoo and aquarium visits on biodiversity‐related learning outcomes

Cited by 50 publications

References 12 publications

What Is the Zoo Experience? How Zoos Impact a Visitor’s Behaviors, Perceptions, and Conservation Efforts

What Is the Zoo Experience? How Zoos Impact a Visitor’s Behaviors, Perceptions, and Conservation Efforts

Aquarium Visitor Engagement with an Ocean Plastics Exhibit: Effects on Self-Reported Intended Single-Use Plastic Reductions and Plastic-Related Environmental Stewardship Actions

The Andean bear alopecia syndrome may be caused by social housing

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About