Enhancing the Zoo Visitor’s Experience by Public Animal Training and Oral Interpretation at an Otter Exhibit

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of performing animal-training sessions with Asian small-clawed otters ( Aonyx cinerea) while zoo visitors watched. The effects of having an interpreter present to describe the otters and their training on zoo visitors were also assessed. The data from 389 visitors to Zoo Atlanta’s otter exhibit were analyzed, and exhibit stay times and animal activity levels were recorded during four conditions (passive exhibit viewing, interpretation-only sessions, public animal- training sessions, and public animal training with interpretation sessions). The findings suggest that public animal training and public animal training with interpretation produce more positive zoo experiences, training perceptions, exhibit size and staff assessments, and longer visitor exhibit stay times when compared to passive exhibit viewing and interpretation-only sessions. This study quantifies an outcome of positive reinforcement training beyond its effects on animals and extends the benefits to zoo visitors by providing information on how to increase positive perceptions and experiences for zoological park visitors.

Variation in visitor perceptions of a polar bear enclosure based on the presence of natural vs. un‐natural enrichment items

“…Anderson et al, 2003), no variation was found with this particular collection method. Additionally, both bears were inactive for many of the interviews, yet the majority of visitors still had very positive comments about the animals.…”

Upper Secondary Students’ Situational Interest: A case study of the role of a zoo visit in a biology class

“…Consider a group of students who attend an otter training session during a zoo excursion. Animal training sessions may effectively capture people's attention and arouse an interest in the zoo visitor (U. S. Anderson, Kelling, Pressley-Keough, Bloomsmith, & Maple, 2003).…”

Comparative analysis of knowledge gain between interpretive and fact‐only presentations at an animal training session: an exploratory study

“…One common way that zoos and aquariums use personal interpretation is through public animal training sessions. Live animals have been used successfully in education programs to create positive impacts in visitor knowledge gain and conservation attitudes [Sherwood et al, 1989;Yerke and Burns, 1991;Heinrich and Birney, 1992;Yerke and Burns, 1993;Swanagan, 2000;Povey and Rios, 2002;Anderson et al, 2003]. Animal training has been used in zoos and aquariums to educate visitors [Ramirez, 1999;Hiatt et al, 2003] as well as for enrichment [Mellen and Sevenich MacPhee, 2001;Sevenich MacPhee and Mellen, 2002] and husbandry purposes [Desmond and Laule, 1994;Grandin et al, 1995;Hellmuth, 1995;Bloomsmith et al, 1998].…”