The Visitor Effect in Primates
Publication Type: |
Book Section |
Year of Publication: |
2024 |
Authors: |
Geoff Hosey, Georgia Oaten, Samantha Ward, Vicky Melfi |
Publication/Journal: |
Human-Animal Interactions in Zoos: Integrating Science and Practice |
Publisher: |
CABI GB |
Keywords: |
physiological measures, primate behaviors, primates, space use, visitor effects |
Abstract:
The first empirical studies on visitor effects on zoo-housed animals, 40 years ago, were undertaken on primates, and since then, a great many further studies have been done on a variety of primate species, more than for any other major taxon. These studies have used methodologies such as comparing enclosures when differing numbers of visitors are present, comparing on-show and off-show enclosures, and comparing periods when the zoo is open with occasions when it is closed. Dependent variables have included various primate behaviours, physiological measures and indirect measures such as the position of the animal in the enclosure. Independent variables have included the presence, numbers and behaviour of the visitors. Most studies report a negative effect or no effect on the animals, with a small number implying a positive effect. This leads to a complex picture, which this chapter attempts to unravel.