Emotional processing as an important part of the wildlife viewing experience

People’s perception on animal welfare: why does it matter?

“…In addition, motor boats used for dolphin watching can interfere with the foraging behavior of these cetaceans, possibly because of the noise produced by the vessels (Albuquerque and Souto 2013; Carrera et al 2008). However, people's contact with wildlife can also have positive effects, especially during childhood, as the experience with nature can increase biophilia, fostering favorable perceptions, awareness, concerns, and efforts towards animal welfare and conservation (McIntosh andWright 2017; Zhang et al 2014). Historically, fascination about wildlife raised people's willingness to have closer contact and interaction with wild animals through different means like zoos, aquariums, ecotourism (e.g.…”

Looking for Evidence that Place of Residence Influenced Visitor Attitudes to Feeding Wild Dolphins?

“…Studies of visitor opinion have shown that along with proximity to place, the target species is an important component of a meaningful wildlife experience (McIntosh and Wright, 2017). As previously noted in this article, dolphins are charismatic animals displaying intelligence and playfulness relatable to humans, which engages with visitor emotions and contributes an important element of the human-dolphin interaction (Smith, Lee and Newsome, 2006).…”

“…As previously noted in this article, dolphins are charismatic animals displaying intelligence and playfulness relatable to humans, which engages with visitor emotions and contributes an important element of the human-dolphin interaction (Smith, Lee and Newsome, 2006). Motivation to visit the DDC would be strong among visitors to KB, because experiencing an emotional connection to wildlife is one of the most important psychological benefits gained from spending time in natural settings (Curtin, 2005;McIntosh and Wright, 2017;Smith et al, 2006a;Zeppel and Muloin, 2008). The DDC facilitates wild dolphin experiences that provide visitors with the opportunity to learn about wildlife, which is an important motivator for visitors to view wildlife and at the same time as providing an opportunity for connecting with nature, which may not be a common occurrence in their everyday life (DDC, 2015d).…”

“…The DDC facilitates wild dolphin experiences that provide visitors with the opportunity to learn about wildlife, which is an important motivator for visitors to view wildlife and at the same time as providing an opportunity for connecting with nature, which may not be a common occurrence in their everyday life (DDC, 2015d). The DDC dolphin interactions offer exciting and thrilling opportunities for visitors to be in close proximity to wild dolphins and to experience something new, especially if the visitors are from countries that prohibit the feeding of wild dolphins (Duerden and Witt, 2010;McIntosh and Wright, 2017;Mohd and Ramli, 2014).…”

“…The high level of support for the statement among visitors to KB may be explained by the popularity of dolphins amongst wildlife tourists and because feeding facilitates the desire of visitors to experience an up-close interaction (McIntosh and Wright, 2017;Smith, Lee and Newsome, 2006) with the Koombana Bay dolphins. This response is expected from KB visitors who experience place attachment, as they recall good times at Koombana Bay and associate the tourism experience as a positive one based on their emotional connection with the area (Tonge et al, 2013a and.…”