2010
DOI: 10.1111/j.1740-0929.2009.00714.x
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The effect of visiting zoos on human health and quality of life

Abstract: The increased mental stress of daily life and aging of the population are serious matters in Japan. There are many studies regarding the effects of human-animal interactions on mental and physical human health, whereas there are few studies examining the effects of visiting zoos. To determine the effect of visiting zoos on human health and quality of life, two different zoos were visited by 70 participants in Experiment 1 and 163 participants in Experiment 2. In this study we administered the WHO QOL-26 questi… Show more

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Cited by 18 publications
(17 citation statements)
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“…The reasons behind people's desire to visit zoos may be explained by the biophilia hypothesis, which centers on the instinctive bond between human beings and other living organisms (Sakagami & Ohta, 2010;Wilson, 1984). Although entertainment has traditionally been perceived as the primary role of zoos (Turley, 1999), most modern zoos increasingly embrace conservation and research in their mission statements (Miller et al, 2004).…”
Section: Introductionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…The reasons behind people's desire to visit zoos may be explained by the biophilia hypothesis, which centers on the instinctive bond between human beings and other living organisms (Sakagami & Ohta, 2010;Wilson, 1984). Although entertainment has traditionally been perceived as the primary role of zoos (Turley, 1999), most modern zoos increasingly embrace conservation and research in their mission statements (Miller et al, 2004).…”
Section: Introductionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…However, little attention has been paid to this possible public health role. One study demonstrated slight improvements in blood pressure and self‐perceived quality of life as a result of a zoo visit [Sakagami and Ohta, ]. Myers et al [] studied emotional reactions to viewing animals in a zoo and concluded that the experience led to an “optimal form of arousal ‐ alertness, engagement, and relaxation.”…”
Section: Introductionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…For example, recent studies explore the direct benefits zoos offer for human health. In one study, a single zoo visit was shown to decrease blood pressure and result in approximately 6000 steps walked per visit [20]. In another study, visitors interacting with stingrays in a touch tank at a zoo felt happier, more energized, and less tense after their visit [21].…”
mentioning
confidence: 99%
“…The impact that zoo visits have on human health and well-being are still poorly understood, but warrant further study. Engagement with the outdoors provides humans with psychological, emotional, spiritual and even physical benefits and it is thus imperative that we also understand how zoos impact human health [20], [21], [22], [23], [24], [25], [26], [27].…”
mentioning
confidence: 99%