Characteristics of Animals Used in Zoo Interpretation
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
2008 |
Authors: |
N.E. Fuhrman, H. Ladewig |
Publication/Journal: |
Journal of Interpretation Research |
Keywords: |
animals as interpretive tools, geographic origin and type, zoo animal, zoo animal behavior, zoo animal characteristics, zoo animal size and appearance, zoo education |
Abstract:
Most research on the use of animals in zoo interpretation
focuses on visitor knowledge and attitude change, with little
emphasis on the characteristics of the animals used as interpretive
tools. A synthesis of research was conducted to: (a)
identify the characteristics of animals used as teaching tools
in zoo interpretation and (b) determine the usefulness of
such information to zoo and other non-formal interpreters.
Most research on the use of animals in zoo interpretation
involved large, active, exotic animals. Few studies have evaluated
the effectiveness of native, locally relevant species as
interpretive tools.When used in zoo interpretation, native
species have the potential to help educators address locally
relevant conservation issues. However, more research is
needed on the use of locally relevant species in interpretation.
Information on the effectiveness of native, readily
available species would be useful to interpreters lacking the
resources of larger zoos and using injured or imprinted
local wildlife in education.