The ‘Visitor Effect’in Non-primate Zoo Species: What Do We Know and Where Should We Go Next?
Publication Type: |
Book Section |
Year of Publication: |
2024 |
Authors: |
Ellen Williams, Violet Hunton, Samantha J Ward, Geoff Hosey |
Publication/Journal: |
Human-Animal Interactions in Zoos: Integrating Science and Practice |
Publisher: |
CABI GB |
Keywords: |
amphibians, animal welfare, birds, fish, invertebrates, mammals, multi taxa, positive welfare, reptiles, visitor effects |
Abstract:
Visitors are a prominent feature in the lives of zoo animals, and their presence provides auditory, visual and olfactory stimuli to which animals may respond. While historically this research focused on the impact of visitors on primates, in more recent years this has expanded into other taxa. This chapter explores research undertaken on the impact of zoo visitors on the six main animal groups (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates), including the responses of these animals to visitors, and the way in which we measure animal response to visitors across taxa. The importance of this research is considered and key concepts are explored, including the impact of enclosure design and the opportunity for choice in human–animal interactions, comparisons between these more varied species types and the primate literature, and reviewing what ‘no behavioural change’ means in terms of animal experiences. There is still a bias towards mammalian species, particularly the more charismatic species. We strongly recommend that greater consideration is given to the full range of species within zoological collections to deepen our understanding of the effects that visitors to zoos and aquariums have on their welfare. The range of animal–visitor interactions and the potential for individual differences should also be carefully considered, with mitigation methods that support positive welfare for animals employed.