Education of Zoo Visitors and Advocacy of Kea - Kea Conservation ...

Schnackenberg (1997) found visitors did not read signs accompanying reptile
exhibits. One particular sign was found to be more informative for visitors; this sign
was developed by a school-group and carried a clear simple message accompanied by
a thought–provoking question (ibid). This study highlighted the design of signage
may influence the numbers of visitors reading those signs.
Live interpreters (zookeepers, education officers, volunteers) provide one of the most
effective means of education when interacting with visitors (WAZACS 2005).
A study by Jackson (1994) cited in Anderson et al (2003) found that the presence of
an informed guide at an exhibit increased the time visitors stayed at the exhibit.
Potentially the more time a visitor stays at an exhibits the more opportunity for
education of visitors.
Zookeeper talks using animals in presentations can be used as a strategy to blend
education and entertainment for delivering educational messages (Povey 2005).
Hienrich & Birney (1992) cited in Anderson et al (2003) found visitors which had
attended a live animal keeper talk retained a large amount of information weeks after
attending the keeper talks . Thus, these kinds of talks may be a more effective way of
educating zoo visitors. Swanagan (2000) found zoo visitors who had watched an
interactive zookeeper talk were more likely to support elephant conservation than
visitors who had passively viewed the elephants in their exhibit and read an
information sign.
Animal training provides important management tools for keepers and veterinarians,
as well as enrichment and reduction of problematic behaviours. Animal training can
be utilised to enhance keeper talks (Anderson et al 2003).
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