The Modern Zoo: Demographics and Perceptions of Two International Groups of Zoo Staff

Abstract

Characterising the people that work in zoos is a key element of understanding how zoos might better contribute to conservation activities. The purpose of this study was to investigate demographics, early life experiences and perceptions of zoo staff to the role of the modern zoo. This paper reports the key characteristics and qualitative themes emerging from study of international (European and Chinese) zoo professionals. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with eight Chinese and eight European zoo staff about aspects of zoological animal welfare, conservation and zoological practices. These qualitative data were thematically analysed, and themes generated. This paper describes interviewee demographics and two themes relating to ‘early life influences’ and ‘the role of the modern zoo’. This analysis indicates that demographic data and early life influences of zoo professionals were broadly similar between two culturally diverse regions, but that their views on the role of the modern zoo differed, particularly in terms of their perceptions of conservation activities, with European interviewees focussing on biodiversity conservation, and Chinese interviewees focussing on animal protection.

Exploration of cultural norms and behavioural beliefs about zoo animal behaviour, welfare, ethics and husbandry practices in a sample of the international zoo community

“…In the West, zoos primarily follow a utilitarian ethic where zoo animals are valued for their contribution to education and genetically sustainable populations (European Commission, 1999), but Chinese ethics based on Confucianism may value principles of benevolence more highly (Fuse et al, 2010). Themes of animal care and protection came across in interviews of Chinese zoo staff described in previous research (Bacon et al, 2021b) and align with the beliefs expressed by Chinese respondents in this cluster.…”

“…principles of benevolence more highly (Fuse et al, 2010). Themes of animal care and protection came across in interviews of Chinese zoo staff described in previous research (Bacon et al, 2021b) and align with the beliefs expressed by Chinese respondents in this cluster.…”

Why Are Enrichment Practices in Zoos Difficult to Implement Effectively?

“…To gather a broad range of insights and investigate enrichment in a diversity of contexts, we conducted our study in multiple zoos globally. We recognised that the considerable variation across nations—such as variations in cultural values, regulations, and management practices—also generated differences in the standards of animal welfare provisions and practices across zoos [ 29 , 73 , 86 ]. Therefore, to limit this variation, and to specifically include zoos that prioritise animal welfare and enrichment, we included only the zoos accredited with regional branches of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).…”

“…Inspired by more recent trends in the field [ 27 , 29 ], we used an exploratory and qualitative research method that diverges from a previous emphasis on quantitative methods to investigate enrichment implementation in zoos. Specifically, we relied on an inductive approach to explore and uncover new insights, unencumbered by a priori assumptions more common in hypothesis-driven investigations [ 51 ].…”

“…Studies in zoos on both people and animals have hitherto largely relied upon quantitative data gathering and analysis (for example [ 26 ]). More recent trends to gather broader insights into the experiences of zoo professionals and practitioners is evident in the uptake of qualitative research approaches [ 27 , 28 , 29 ]. For example, research into bonds between keepers and animals has predominantly relied on quantitative investigations [ 30 ] but more recently, studies of this topic have incorporated qualitative approaches to yield deeper insights to inform future animal management in zoos [ 27 ].…”