The use of technology to enhance zoological parks

Clay, Andrea W.; Perdue, Bonnie M.; Gaalema, Diann E.; Dolins, Francine L.; Bloomsmith, Mollie A.

doi:10.1002/zoo.20353

Cited by 63 publications

(71 citation statements)

References 41 publications

(40 reference statements)

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“…Conveying information through interactive devices is becoming more common in zoo settings [4], as the novelty of such devices can help encourage visitors to dwell longer at exhibits [5] and could provide a good addition to how we currently communicate information to the public. Computerised touchscreens, for example, allow the use of dynamic media such as videos and sound which may hold visitor attention more so than static text and imagery [6]. Although many zoos and academic institutions use interactive exhibits to engage their audiences, they are relatively costly and attempts to evaluate the efficacy of such attempts are not as common as they should be [1], [2], [7].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of Public Engagement Activities to Promote Science in a Zoo Environment

et al. 2014

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Scientists are increasing their efforts to promote public engagement with their science, but the efficacy of the methods used is often not scientifically evaluated. Here, we designed, installed and evaluated the educational impact of interactive games on touchscreens at two primate research centres based in zoo environments. The games were designed to promote interest in and understanding of primates and comparative psychology, as a scaffold towards interest in science more generally and with the intention of targeting younger individuals (under 16's). We used systematic observational techniques and questionnaires to assess the impact of the games on zoo visitors. The games facilitated increased interest in psychology and science in zoo visitors, and changed the knowledge of visitors, through demonstration of learning about specific scientific findings nested within the games. The impact of such devices was greatest on younger individuals (under 16's) as they were significantly more likely to engage with the games. On the whole, therefore, this study demonstrates that interactive devices can be successful educational tools, and adds to the growing body of evidence that conducting research on public view in zoos can have a tangible impact on public engagement with science.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of Public Engagement Activities to Promote Science in a Zoo Environment

et al. 2014

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“…Many zoos operate web cameras that display videos of the animals at the zoo on websites, which are available to the public (Clay, Perdue, Gaalema, Dolins, & Bloomsmith, 2011). For example, the San Diego Zoo has live webcams of polar bears and other species, which allow the visitors to control the camera's position and to zoom.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Can Enrichment Make Brazilian Tapir Spend More Time on View to the Public?

Dutra

Young

2014

Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science

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One common visitor complaint in zoos is that the nonhuman animals are not visible. This problem needs to be resolved without compromising the animals' welfare; environmental enrichment could solve the problem. This study investigated whether enrichment would increase public exposure time of lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris) in the Belo Horizonte Zoo in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Observations were made before (62 hr) and during (62 hr) the introduction of enrichment using focal animal sampling with instantaneous recording of behavior. The 5 enrichment items were a bamboo fence covered in vines, logs, a sandbox, dry leaves, and bamboo bushes. Before the enrichments were applied, the tapir was not visible to the public for more than 85% of the time. In addition, during the analysis of the enrichment treatment, other variables were considered--such as weekday, time of day, and weather conditions--which could influence the animals' interaction with the enrichments. The enrichments increased and decreased the expression of some behaviors; however, public viewing time of the animals did not increase. Thus, the enrichment applied was not strong enough to overcome the animals' crepuscular behavior.

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“…In work conducted at Edinburgh Zoo it was found that a system combining touchscreen computers and cameras could be used to effectively monitor the welfare of chimpanzees (Herrelko, 2011). Clay and colleagues conducted a small survey of technology use in North American zoos, concluding that zoo personnel are enthusiastic about the potential benefits of digital technologies for primate enrichment and care (Clay et al, 2011).…”

Section: Interactive Technology For Zoo Animalsmentioning

confidence: 98%