Star attractions and damp squibs at the zoo: a study of visitor attention and animal attractiveness

Carr, Neil

doi:10.1080/02508281.2016.1201914

Cited by 14 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 40 publications

(67 reference statements)

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“…However, birds, reptiles and invertebrates received much lower stated WTD than mammals. This supports known visitor preferences for larger species (Moss & Esson, 2010;Ward et al, 1998) and feelings of repulsion towards animals that are often classed as pests or vermin (Carr, 2016;Woods, 2000). This finding echoes trends in the illegal wildlife trade where attractive animals are frequently trafficked as exotic pets.…”

Section: Animal Typesupporting

confidence: 69%

Animal‐human two‐shot images: Their out‐of‐context interpretation and the implications for zoo and conservation settings

Spooner

Stride

2021

Zoo Biology

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Images containing both animals and humans (two-shot images) are popular across social media and zoo advertising. However, these images, even when taken in ethical and conservation settings, have the potential for misinterpretation and may inadvertently promote the illegal wildlife trade, exotic pet trade or photo-prop industries. We examined whether zoo visitors' (n = 531) attitudes and stated Willingness to Donate (WTD) altered depending on whether they viewed a two-shot image set in a photo-prop setting (typically associated with negative welfare) or in a zoo or wild setting. All images, including photo-prop, were generally viewed positively regardless of context. Zoo-based images received a greater number of comments relating to concern for the animal's environment or welfare compared to other images, although numbers were still relatively low. This indicates a lack of awareness about the photo-prop industry and misconceptions about modern welfare practices in zoos, thus reflecting a need for improved education in these areas. Two-shot images in zoo settings elicited significantly higher stated WTD than images in wild or photo-prop settings or when an animal was pictured alone.Suggesting zoo-based images may be more effective for conservation campaigns than traditional images of an animal in its environment. Furthermore, images featuring a uniformed keeper plus an animal do not appear to increasing desire for pet ownership, indicating that they can be used in zoo advertising with minimal negative consequences.

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Section: Animal Typesupporting

confidence: 69%

Animal‐human two‐shot images: Their out‐of‐context interpretation and the implications for zoo and conservation settings

Spooner

Stride

2021

Zoo Biology

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“…At the same time, the attractiveness of the gardens increases. So it should be a win-win situation [191]. However, the options are limited.…”

Section: How Important Are Zoos and Botanical Gardens For Endemics An...mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Of these 36 species, 10 are considered as "threatened", and the remaining species are not benefitting from any ex situ conservation actions. On a positive note, almost a third of those species in captivity have successfully reproduced [191].…”

Section: How Important Are Zoos and Botanical Gardens For Endemics An...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Centers of Endemism and The Potential of Zoos and Botanical Gardens in Conservation of Endemics

Hobohm

Barker

2023

JZBG

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Knowledge about ecological conditions and processes in centers of endemism (CoEs) is still limited with respect to various systematic groups of organisms, ecosystem types, ecological conditions, and ecosystem services. We review the characterization, identification, and meaning of CoEs. Endemics play an increasing and prominent role in nature conservation monitoring and management and in the organization of zoos, aquaria, and botanical gardens. We examine the importance of different groups of organisms and indicators for the characterization of endemic-rich regions, e.g., with regard to the richness of endemics per region and degree of endemism, the importance of heterogeneity in space, continuity in time, isolation, and ex situ management for the survival of endemic species. Currently, conversion of land cover and land use change are the most important causes of biodiversity decline and extinction risk of endemic and endangered species. These are followed by climate change, including severe weather, and then natural processes such as volcanism, landslides, or tsunamis. For conservation purposes, the management of regional land use, zoos, aquaria, botanical gardens, and social aspects of the diversity of endemics and CoEs have to be taken into account as well. We find that the ex situ representation of endemics in general is limited, and conservation networks in this regard can be improved. We need better answers to questions about the relationship between ecoregions, CoEs and regional awareness of endemism, which is linked with human culture including aesthetics, well-being, health, and trade.

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“…Fun facts were painted on signs throughout the animal collection, and children were encouraged to take part in 'Zoolympics'-activity stations placed intermittently throughout the zoo trail where children and their guardians could see if they could run as fast as a cheetah or jump as far as a kangaroo. Of the animal displays, there was an overrepresentation of round-faced and fluffy species, from domestic rabbits to red pandas-those with charismatic features that zoo visitors consider most appealing [1].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Thinking with Civets: The Role of Zoos in the Decolonisation of Animal Tourism

Hooper

2023

Animals

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Civets belong to the family Viverridae, an ancient line of ‘cat-like’ animals. Despite their large geographic distribution across southeast Asia and parts of Africa, little scientific attention has been attributed to Viverrids or Viverrid–human relations. This paper applies the lens of civets to explore the tensive intersection between animal welfare, conservation, and colonialism within the tourism landscape. Through thinking with civets, this paper brings two forms of animal commodification into dialogue: (1) the management of civets in zoos around the globe and (2) the rising trend in civet coffee production and tourism in Asia. By qualitatively analysing the entanglements between colonialism, animal welfare, and conservation and how each impacts the lives and treatment of civets in tourism, this paper calls for enhanced reflexivity and thus the decolonisation of animal-based tourism. Suggestions are made on how zoos may progress towards the decolonisation of animal tourism, and the argument is made that zoos are well positioned and morally obligated to answer this call. By doing so, greater attention can be given to the animals whose lives are most affected by the global tourism landscape.

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Star attractions and damp squibs at the zoo: a study of visitor attention and animal attractiveness

Cited by 14 publications

References 40 publications

Animal‐human two‐shot images: Their out‐of‐context interpretation and the implications for zoo and conservation settings

Animal‐human two‐shot images: Their out‐of‐context interpretation and the implications for zoo and conservation settings

Centers of Endemism and The Potential of Zoos and Botanical Gardens in Conservation of Endemics

Thinking with Civets: The Role of Zoos in the Decolonisation of Animal Tourism

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