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

When asked if visitors liked the enclosure the highest frequency of positive statements
was the enclosure was naturalistic. Visitors to South Island zoos differed; the highest
positive frequency for those visitors was being able to see birds easily. The reasons
for this are unclear, but may be due to both facilities included in this study in the
South Island housing the Kea in older style zoo enclosures, which may not reflect
naturalism. This aspect of the study has implications for New Zealand zoos, further
research would be warranted into what aspects of enclosures appeal to the visiting
public across the country and the reasons for differences.
Presenting animals in mixed species exhibits provides visitors with more interesting,
exciting and educational displays (Thomas & Maruska 1996). The majority of
holders did not place Kea in mixed species exhibits and as such, this may be reducing
the effectiveness of educational opportunities with visitors. A study conducted by Coll
et al (2003) at Hamilton Zoo found the mixed species free flight aviary to be one of
the most popular exhibits for visitors because, as the visitors stated, it “makes you feel
like you are in nature”. The parrot court at Hamilton Zoo was the least popular exhibit
apparently because the parrots “needed more room” and was “not as natural” as others
(ibid).
Educational signs
Two of the sixteen holders did not have information signs; this does not conform to
the Management Plan, and is a lost opportunity for education and advocacy.
The information provided on signs varied, the majority of information was knowledge
based – taxonomy, morphology, and habitat.
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