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Date: 05/26/22
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Our Goals

  1. Acquire and make easily accessible to zoo and aquarium professionals the current body of knowledge on animal welfare and ethics.
  2. Conduct and facilitate welfare assessments and applied welfare research on captive exotic animals.
  3. Convene important discussions and presentations on captive exotic animal welfare and ethics.
  4. Train professionals on captive exotic animal welfare best practices and policies.
  5. Recognize advances in improving captive exotic animal welfare and ethics through awards.
URL: https://detroitzoo.org/resources/conservation-education-are-zoo-animals-effective-ambassadors-and-is-there-any-cost-to-their-welfare/

Conservation Education: Are Zoo Animals Effective Ambassadors and Is There Any Cost to Their Welfare?

Publication Type:
Journal Article
Year of Publication:
2021
Authors:
Sarah L Spooner, Mark J Farnworth, Samantha J Ward, Katherine M Whitehouse-Tedd
Publication/Journal:
Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens
Keywords:
animal-visitor interaction, google scholar, human-animal interaction, methodology, public engagement, zoo
Abstract:

Animal ambassador encounters (AAE), where visitors come into close-contact with animals, are popular in zoos and are advocated as promoting connection to wild species. However, educational and animal-welfare implications are relatively unknown. We conducted a systematic literature review (PRISMA) to investigate visitor and animal outcomes of AAE. We identified 19 peer reviewed articles and 13 other records focused on AAEs. Although we found net positive or neutral impacts overall, several studies indicated that high-intensity visitor contact and long-term exposure may be detrimental to animal welfare. Most studies lacked rigour and claims were based on an absence of negative impacts rather than evidence of benefits. Multiple publications were derived from the same datasets and there were no standardised measures for either welfare or education impacts. Of the peer-reviewed articles, just two considered both education and welfare. Education studies often used perceived learning or only post-experience testing. Welfare studies used small samples (median n = 4; range 1–59), and limited measures of welfare. In order to justify the continued use of AAEs in modern zoos, animal welfare costs must be proven to be minimal whilst having demonstrable and substantial visitor educational value. Large-scale, standardised impact assessments of both education and welfare impacts are needed.

Links:
  • https://www.mdpi.com/2673-5636/2/1/4/htm

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Detroit Zoological Society: Detroit Zoo; Belle Isle Nature Center

Celebrating and Saving Wildlife and Wild Places

8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48067 | 248-541-5717

The Detroit Zoological Society – a renowned leader in
humane education, wildlife conservation, animal welfare
and sustainability – operates the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center.

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Celebrating and Saving Wildlife and Wild Places
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