An International Investigation of the Prevalence of Negative Visitor Behaviour in the Zoo

Abstract

Negative visitor behaviour is an understudied area of zoo research, even though negative actions can have serious implications for animal welfare. This research project investigated the prevalence of negative visitor behaviours at four different zoos. It included observations of visitors at seven different taxa exhibits and three different types of enclosures. A modified version of behaviour sampling was used to record visitor behaviour and the activity of the animals, while a negative binomial regression was conducted to test the significance of several predictor variables against the number of negative behaviours observed. Negative visitor behaviour was relatively common, occurring in 57% of observations. Banging was the most commonly observed negative action. Negative behaviours were influenced by zoo (p < 0.001), species (p < 0.001) and the number of visitors present (p < 0.001). The charismatic species were the most harassed animals included in the study, while children were the most likely to engage in negative behaviour. Negative visitor behaviours occurred more frequently when animals were active and in close proximity to visitors. It is imperative for zoos to understand visitors’ behaviour so that they can effectively communicate with their visitors to minimise negative actions and promote better animal welfare.

Five ways to wellbeing at the zoo: improving human health and connection to nature

“…Negative impressions of captive wildlife can be caused by a visitor’s experiences of poor animal management ( Woods, 2002 ), thus detracting from the zoo’s value and its ability to connect more deeply with the audiences that visit. Likewise, the behavior of visitors themselves can disturb the animals themselves and create a negative atmosphere at the zoo ( Collins et al, 2023 ), preventing others’ attempts at connecting with nature more widely, or animals specifically, in the zoo. Consequently, zoos need to actively manage visitor Behavior, engaging with them to eliminate negative actions that compromise animal welfare and the experiences of other visitors who wish to fully connect with nature during their time in the zoo’s living collection.…”

Aquarium Visitors Catch Some Rays: Rays Are More Active in the Presence of More Visitors

“…These interactions can be quick and short-lived or more extensive, such as in environments where both caregivers and unfamiliar human visitors have the opportunity to directly interact with the animals (e.g., petting farms and touch pools). Even in such settings, human interactions are diverse and may include an animal caregiver delivering food, a trainer engaging in direct interaction, a veterinarian conducting an invasive exam, a child tapping on the habitat's glass, or a group of visitors yelling in front of an openair habitat [3][4][5]. As the nature of the interactions vary, so do the effects on the animals.…”

“…However, keepers may draw the attention of visitors when in animal enclosures, and visitor presence may distract the animal from the keeper, further complicating this issue [26]. The size [27], noise [28], and activity level of visitor groups [29] can all influence animal welfare, and negative behaviors are not uncommon in captive environments [3]. Some animals are more likely to be the target of these behaviors, particularly those perceived as more charismatic or those that are more active and spend more time closer to visitors [3,29].…”

“…The size [27], noise [28], and activity level of visitor groups [29] can all influence animal welfare, and negative behaviors are not uncommon in captive environments [3]. Some animals are more likely to be the target of these behaviors, particularly those perceived as more charismatic or those that are more active and spend more time closer to visitors [3,29]. The ability of animals to remove themselves from visitor presence through foliage or off-exhibit areas, which may also provide a refuge from noise [30], may mitigate potential deleterious effects [18].…”