Zoo Visitor Attitudes Are More Influenced by Animal Behaviour than Environmental Enrichment Appearance

Abstract

Decisions on environmental enrichment programmes are sometimes based on the assumption that non-natural or artificial looking items negatively affect visitor experiences. In this study, we developed a questionnaire to assess zoo visitor attitudes towards enrichment appearance in an outdoor walk-through enclosure for ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta). Naturalistic and artificial looking enrichment items were alternately provided in the enclosure. A total of 371 visitors filled out the questionnaire: 174 in the naturalistic and 197 in the artificial conditions. Both researchers and visitors conducted behavioural observations of the lemurs. Our results suggest that the appearance of the items did not have an effect on visitor attitudes and that visitors recognised both naturalistic and artificial items as enriching for the animals. Moreover, the behaviour and visibility of the lemurs had a greater effect on the visitors’ attitudes. We suggest that during the design of enrichment items, less concern should be placed on the appearance of the items and more on their effect on animal behaviour. Ultimately, this would improve both animal welfare in captivity and the visitor experience.

How does perception of zoo animal welfare influence public attitudes, experiences, and behavioural intentions? A mixed-methods systematic review

“…Impact of perceived aggression on welfare perceptions may vary amongst species, as for example Markwell [109] reported that zoo visitors expected to witness aggression in Tasmanian devils and were disappointed if aggressive behaviour was absent. More consistently, beliefs about play and affiliative social behaviours (like allogrooming), translated to perceptions of positive welfare [10, 16, 36, 47, 72, 73, 95, 96, 99, 110, 111]. Yet play behaviours can appear extreme and even violent [112], and communication signals mediating social interactions between animals are often quite subtle [113].…”

“…Use of environmental enrichment consistently had a positive impact on welfare perceptions [18, 29, 35, 37, 38, 43, 44, 47, 50, 54, 62, 64, 73, 90, 93, 94, 96, 97, 99–102, 107, 110, 116, 119, 131, 133–139], including feeding-related enrichment [99–102, 136, 138]. Positive perceptions of feeding enrichment are not surprising, as the act of feeding in any circumstance increased welfare perceptions [61, 95, 99, 102]. Yet not all visitors were aware of enrichment in general [139] or which items within an enclosure are enriching [40, 99].…”

Increasing animal cognition research in zoos

“…‐Note that recent study suggests visitors respond more to the behavior elicited by the enrichment than its appearance (Salas et al, 2021)…”

“…Challenge Potential negative outcomes Options to limit/overcome challenge -Consider placing research in protected areas and using a video link or changes in height to allow visitors to spectate at a safe distance (Macdonald & Whiten, 2011). -Note that recent study suggests visitors respond more to the behavior elicited by the enrichment than its appearance (Salas et al, 2021) Reluctance Past negative experience with researchers or perception of research output.…”

Expanding the role of the future zoo: Wellbeing should become the fifth aim for modern zoos

“…Research has shown that zoo visitors place animal welfare one of the zoo’s top priorities ( Roe et al, 2014 ). The behavior of the animals in the zoo is a key influence over visitor perception of their care and welfare ( Salas et al, 2021 ). Animals that are viewed as thriving in the zoo impart more influence over the visitor’s experiences of the zoo and therefore are better tools to use to enact planetary friendly human behavior change.…”