Reconnection with nature through empathy: rewiring people and animals by assessing zoo visitors' connection to species and the need for their conservation

Frontiers in Psychology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 16

Published: March 17, 2025

As humans become more sensitive to global warming, due the visible effects on planet and our daily lives, particularly health (for example increase of zoonotic diseases exacerbated by deforestation), we have an increasing need reconnect with natural world (Greenwell et al., 2023;Johansson 2024). In cities, far from forests savannas, zoos bridge wild habitats, aiming encourage proximity connection between people animals. Zoos allow their visitors be close animals, in many cases for first time, while providing them basic information related ecology, behavior, conservation these species. zoos, friendly human-animal associations may further develop into bonds that positively influence both parties (Thomas 2023). Moreover, a better learning experience deeper connections animals understanding biodiversity (Moss 2017), are critical bad captive-wildlife tourist attractions (Sampaio 2021), willing donate actions (Ballantyne 2007;Howell 2019), increased desire visit (76% expressing see habitat [Adetola, & Akinboboye, 2020]). Most studies been focused few African countries, some European USA, Australia, largely overlooking non-western countries (MacNally While there exceptions, such as Wu al. (2017) China Musa (2015) Malaysia, relatively Asia. People's wildlife, beliefs attitudes towards needs, depend cultural socio-demographic traits (Ballentyne 2021;Breuer 2018;Thomas-Walters 2023), currently lack, how parts can effectively transmit messages tailored specific audiences. Japan, number zoo has last decades (Davey, 2007) physiological were studied. The mandatory quarantine was not imposed Japanese population during pandemic, indoor entertainment activities suspended. Nonetheless, most did doors pandemic one available public, contact wildlife. considered impact people's mental through "green prescribing" interventions (Rose Riley, 2022). Using psychological (mood states) physical indicators (i.e., blood pressure, salivary cortisol oxytocin levels), Akiyama colleagues (2021) found positive effect associated among sampled elderly Japanese. Similarly, Sakagami Ohta (2010) also decrease exercise, improved life sub-scale scores generic health-related evaluation questionnaire) participants all ages visiting two different zoos. However, little research done actual interactions emotional responses motivation preserving other words, connected is still poorly understood. Connection sense defined here innate, empathetic bond toward they observe, ranging absent neutral, high level connection. this Data report, survey visitants' support, feeling connectedness captive zoo, what relate transmission By focusing species, provide precise "target", which help reflect accurately answers. This approach expected yield sincere insightful responses, likely form genuine particular targeting species allows us understand elicit higher levels awareness viewing times.Permission conduct study obtained Japan Monkey Centre (No. 2022-05). Consent forms inquired following short explanation study, attesting anonymous data collected would used analysis only. No personal taking part surveys interfere participant's zoo. Questionnaires Chubu Gakuin University students provided before after class animal welfare behavioral observation lecture Comparative Cognitive Development.Two zoological parks included study: (JMC) Higashiyama Zoo Botanical Gardens (HZ), Japan. JMC home 60 primate Genus only, HZ hosts wide range plants. Both work closely researchers public education. August November 2022 May September 2023 HZ. Participants (aged above 16 years old) approached 10:00 16:00 opening hours. handed out paper within zoos' premises, non-visitors completed online version questionnaire. link questionnaire.Participants questionnaire demographic (sex, age, membership), favorite animal, 21 questions general aspects wildlife (adapted Howell 2019 andSkibins andPowell, 2013), additional free space comments. regarding consisted closed response options scaling (1 7) agreement items views (Supplementary material, Table 1). definition connection, respondents prior questionnaire.A total 630 questionnaires. Two groups undergraduate given twice: once A 56 replied occasions 53 either or trip. individuals who twice questionnaires ID codes ensure anonymity (others excluded). These divided 4 groups: 1) S22B stands Students Class Before trip 2) S22A After 3) S23B 4) S23A zoo.In terms gender distribution, 43 identified female university student population, 177 HZ, 159 JMC. For male respondents, 11 students, 123 101 "Other" any sex.All belonged GenZ generation. We classify Gen Z born 1995 and2015;Millennials 1980 and1994;Gen X 1965 and1979;and Baby Boomers those 1964 material 2).The percentages rate reported frequency interaction presented 1.The section Likert Scales Figure 1. Overall, exhibited varied distribution compared population. Responses often showed peaks at across multiple questions, indicating degree variability. contrast, demonstrated consistent pattern, frequently clustering around levels. questions.For each Cronbach's Alpha α≥ 0.9 when combining together. To compare findings (2019), adapted questionnaire, tested composite variables using shared 3). species-specific caring variable similar suggesting measure reliable comparable Howell's study. variables, internal consistency less robust. where fewer analysis, values ranged 0.6 0.7, questionable needed measure.In addition, populations, conducted Principal Component Analysis findings, same "species-specific caring". lower correlation (Pearson r-value= 0.3) but it suggests care about stronger perceived Still difference strength attributed differences, sample size.For preliminary statistical added Bayesian model fitted evaluate rates relation Q1-Q16 sex age classes, duration observation, point 1, question (Q1-Q16) predictor "Low" (Likert 2 "High" (items 5, 6 7), removing "4" (medium) address issue potential imbalance 7point scale. points 4, (continuous 1-7) were: Gender (women, men); Generation (Baby Boomer, X, Z, Millennial); Time spent categorized "Short" (less than 10 minutes), "Medium" (between 30 minutes) (more minutes); Interaction made "No" (absent), 5 seconds) "Long" seconds). able correlate regular (with visits zoo) new latter group much frequent. Gaussian family chains 2,000 iterations per chain. All analyses R 4.3.1, brms package 2.21.0. Statistical significance interpreted 95% highest posterior density interval.For visitors, correlates statements concerning interest in, protect, Across Q1-Q15, estimated sizes small moderate, corresponding credible intervals containing zero. Q16 ("Getting dangerous"), interval zero (E = 0.123, CI [-0.251, 0.498]), meaning no clear evidence association, risk assessment does 4). asked choose consequences getting habitat, take sites observe (Table 2). Noting respondent could results indicate prioritized risks injury importance maintaining safe distance acknowledge disease precautions vaccinations masks. prioritize testing COVID-19 pay extra safer conditions.Regarding differences regards sex-related mean males being 0.35 (95% CI: 0.10 0.61) females. significant noted generations comparing "Baby boomer" to: Estimate: -0.10, -0.48 0.27; 0.04, -0.37 0.44, Millennials -0.29, -0.66 0.08). (compared -0.02, -2.44 2.36; -2.46 2.42), neither Type 0.00, -2.38 2.40, -0.04, 2.43 (Figure 2, Supplementary Material descriptive results).Although scale questionindicating promotes learn protect (Carr, 2016;Howell 2019) -the disagreed approaching fact, answered "getting cause injury" (179 respondents) "disease transmission" (179) 252 grant clearer animal. shows despite supportive educational causes, romanticize underestimating encounters lack beyond observing safety glass enclosure's grid. Nevertheless, considering option, 223 admitted get vaccine 258 avoid sick, and, importantly, 547 said keep But only 79 test 162 wear masks, even though mask usage commonplace outbreak 2020.Zoos chance great tourists ages, education, socioeconomic backgrounds up-close encounter, without compromising habitats (Doodson 2023) simultaneously source domestic tourism recover faster international (Toyama, 2022;Kruger Viljoen, design, factors (social context, tradition, demography, etc.) impacted visitors' (Kruger important studying peoples' perceptions greater extent animals' welfare, health, living environment (Alba Some previous females younger perception women concerned individual men (Figueredo 2022;Alba tend captivity 2023;Gurusamy 2015) limitations exhibiting repertoire (Pacheco Madden, 2021) lead stress signals abnormal behavior 2017) detected visitors. Kruger Viljoen (2022) relationship conservation; similarly, recent meta-analysis McNally (2024) revealed samples proportion significantly smaller align observations, find marked cross-generational differences. Interestingly, contrasts Western populations. case, generational Older report according religious beliefs, environmental education received, regardless beliefs. cannot explore set, volunteer nature recruiting participants, older accept place, although true participants.Charismatic drive contribute satisfaction models attain (e.g., measures protection) because engage (Colleony 2017;Howell 2019;Consorte-McCrea 2019; Mariyam patterns nature-based tourism). endangered gorillas, along chimpanzees, charismatic 2016) elsewhere study.Visitors easily gorillas wishing preserve (Myers 2004;Parker 2018). Gorillas` flagship status facilitates raising includes 2007). Critically thought wider conservation, economy least concern (Spooner Aware effects, mediate exhibitions emphasize efforts instance, Maryland (Unites States) crucial development Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project, operating (Escobar-Ibarra 2021). Other financial support maintenance Mbeli Bai lowland gorilla field site employing local nationals rangers assistants) contributed community projects area (Breuer 2018;but Squires a., 2016;Wilson 2019;Feilen 2018 examples Africa South America).Visitors make assumptions based feelings connections, conflict scientific naturally inactive certain ages; Parker foster understanding, must interpret familiarity increases interest. show motivated traditional programs Effective should integrate routines offer outcomes (Miller 2020). highlight direct links human loss palm oil production cobalt mining impacting orangutans gorillas. They threats pet trade lemurs, lorises) industries macaques). suggest actionable steps, simple committed, like sponsoring initiatives, joining efforts, partnering organizations, awareness. issues, meaningful, region-specific animals.It recognize delivered ways connect aimed apply balanced so its length time Besides, housed influenced potentially exposure others. variation layout design informational signage, newer quality responses. Additionally, offers interactive exhibits enter enclosures (squirrel monkeys ring-tailed lemurs island), whereas experience, differently.We intended include outside comparison. since consists solely students-most whom belonging Z-its comparison populations limited. control visitor amongst attempts serve future addition focus types housing facilities, sanctuaries recovery centers, limited locations expectations experiences.

Language: Английский

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The Role of Salience and Emotional Resonance in Cultivating Conservation Caring Among Zoo Visitors

Anthrozoös, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 1 - 19

Published: Feb. 19, 2025

Language: Английский

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An Examination of Visitor and Tiger Activity Between Two Zoo Tiger Groups

Veterinary Medicine and Science, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 11(2)

Published: Feb. 28, 2025

ABSTRACT Sumatran tigers ( Panthera tigris sumatrae ) are currently listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List. In modern zoos, need to balance welfare of while maintaining visitor interest presents a significant challenge. The aim this study was assess behaviour five housed in two separate groups and habitat areas (male alone; female with three cubs), well relation crowd size sound intensity (dB) near habitats. Five categories (active, inactive, social, repetitive other) were observed analysed. most frequent for all inactivity. only differences tiger behaviours lower social male alone compared both cubs. Sound intensity, which measured public viewing area positively correlated size, significantly louder cub area. A larger female/cub well. Crowd groups/habitats, Results discussed context animal captive tigers, promotion coexistence zoo visitors manner that supports education/entertainment.

Language: Английский

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Beyond the Glass: Can Aquarium Diving Foster Emotional Connections with Elasmobranchs and the Ocean and Inspire Environmental Care?

Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 6(1), P. 17 - 17

Published: March 6, 2025

Human activities significantly contribute to the biodiversity crisis, yet wildlife tourism can promote appreciation for animals and encourage conservation. This study assessed impact of diving snorkeling programs at Atlantis Dubai on tourists’ emotional connections with marine life their conservation attitudes pro-environmental behavioral intentions. In 2023 2024, 346 participants were surveyed before (n = 172) after 174) experiences elasmobranchs. Results indicated a notable increase in positive feelings toward sharks rays, strengthening respect these creatures. The program positively influenced attitude sharks, making more inclined support protection foster deeper connection ocean. Although participants’ willingness recycle improved, overall engage broader behaviors showed minor change. However, heightened emotions towards resulted improved perceptions animals, stronger attitudes, commitment environmental sustainability. A ocean reduced fear sharks. research suggests that facilitate life, potentially inspiring action highlighting need targeted strategies transform bonds into lasting behaviors.

Language: Английский

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Improving Zoo Exhibit Design: Why We Need Temporary Exhibit Design

Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 6(1), P. 19 - 19

Published: March 13, 2025

Good enclosure design is central to the improvement of conditions for animals housed in zoos and aquaria, yet study a priori or post hoc through Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) somewhat limited scientific literature. The concept trialing novel exhibit components before construction, process known as Temporary Exhibit Design (TED), was recently proposed strategy prevent problems that often occur result untested creation, with view ultimately improve welfare outcomes reduce subsequent redevelopment. In this paper, we consider potential input required from three key stakeholders: animal, visitor, zoo staff. We also benefits each these stakeholders when participating TED, alongside wider organizational benefits. TED has construction costs post-construction redevelopment, enhance animal welfare, ensure educational messages are effectively communicated.

Language: Английский

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From Iconic Species to Biodiversity: The Role of Zoos in Inspiring Visitors' Affinity for a Broader Range of Wild Animals

Integrative Conservation, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 17, 2025

ABSTRACT Preferences for animal species may influence public engagement in conservation efforts. However, urban residents often have limited opportunities to learn about and connect emotionally with a wide range of wildlife. Zoos can help bridge this gap, enclosures interpretive systems playing key role fostering understanding positive attitudes towards animals. At present, little is known how the characteristics work together visitors' learning Over 12‐month period, we assessed features facilities at Guangzhou Zoo, China, captured wildlife preferences before after their visits using an open‐ended question. By examining these overall zoo experience influenced changes preferences, aimed evaluate zoo's potential education. Our results showed that significantly impacted increasing fondness broader greater affinity relatively unpopular or taxa. Importantly, interaction between number signs three other factors—enclosure size, enclosure type, interactivity facilities—emerged as determinants preference changes. This study provides valuable insights into improving design support

Language: Английский

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