- Education and experiences - interacting with species otherwise not likely to be encountered

- Inspiring careers, research

Educational zoo visit to two different zoos with varying degrees of enclosure enrichment and provision which demonstrated the importance of meeting 5 welfare needs

Research - behaviour observations, use of animal training methods, potential genetic studies

Education - informative talks, educational activities, facts and information signs 

Recreation - visitor ability to see/ experience/ interact with animals 

They are also a way to help research by monitoring animals behaviours up close etc.

I know coming from a schools point of view (as in working in a school) it's lovely to be able to take children who would probably never get to go with family/carers and to show them what's in our world.... but obviously it's not fair for animals to be placed into captivity for our benefit which is why education in this subject is very important! And early education especially!

This is our image:

https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-42335-3_15

In-situ population surveys and off shore protection from mongoose and rats.

ZSL are working with orginisations in Mauritius to help reintroduce pink pigeons back in to the wild. The conservation work at London Zoo by breeding pink pigeons is directly informing the reintroduction programme in Mauritius.

Bellinger River Snapping Turtles

Article: Chiew, S., Butler, K., Sherwen, S., Coleman, G., Fanson, K., and Hemsworth, P., 2019. Effects of Regulating Visitor Viewing Proximity and the Intensity of Visitor Behaviour on Little Penguin (Eudyptula minor) Behaviour and Welfare. Animals. [e-journal]. doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9060285

Species: Little Penguin (Eudyptula minor)

Method of study: Experimental - use of physical barriers compared to signage and uniformed personnel to moderate visitor behaviour. Penguin behaviour was monitored through a CCTV camera and faecal glucocorticoid metabolites were used as a stress physiology marker

Key findings: Physical barriers to remove proximity of visitors was the only factor that impacted both visitor behaviour and proximity to enclosure. Penguin behaviour showed less signs of stress (increased vigilance and huddling) when visitors were removed from proximity. More birds spent time in the water and preening during increased visitor proximity which suggests that visitors were a perceived threat by the penguins.

Regulating visitor behaviour and signage was less effective when moderating visitor proximity and behavioural signs of stress in the penguins

Mitigation: Visitor proximity could be decreased to ensure that the penguins are spaced away to reduce stress. However, to ensure visitor interest remains increased, viewing platforms could be placed above the enclosure height, hidden behind environmental enrichment within the enclosure design. One - way glass could be used to allow visitor observation but reduce the likelihood of the penguins seeing the visitors and perceiving them as a threat.

~ Lucy

Choo Y., Todd P.A., Li D., (2011) Visitor effects on zoo orangutans in two novel, naturalistic enclosures, Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 133, 1-2, 78-86

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168159111001614

Species: orangutans

Method of study: observation of the three visitor variables (visitor numbers, visitor proximity, and visitor activity) on the two groups which were rotated between the two separate enclosure

Key findings: the effect of visitors on the captive bred orangutans was mostly minor due to their habituation to people. But the most effects in both enclosures were caused by large groups, visitors with food and visitors who were paying lots of attention to the orangutans.

This could have been mitigated by creating enclosures where people could see in but the orangutans couldn’t see them as then they wouldn’t have been effected by people watching them.

Species: Little Penguin (Eudyptula minor)

Method: Group of 25 Penguins randomly imposed 2 treatments to see their response to visitors - either no visitor contact or visitor exposure/exhibit being open as usual. Point sampling and continuous sampling used to record behaviour such as proximity to viewing area, swimming and diving activity, visibility and intra-group aggression

Findings: When exposed to visitors there were higher aggression levels, huddling and visitor-avoidant behavior (such as hiding behind enclosure features and greater distance from viewing area).

How it could be mitigated: The visitor pathway ran the length of the pool and the findings showed penguins preferred using the pool when visitors weren't present - some kind of visual barrier or one way screen could be used so that penguins can't see visitors as easily and so used pool more in their presence (important as swimming is part of natural penguin behaviour)

Fran

Hashmi, A. and Sullivan, M. (2020). The visitor effect in zoo-housed apes: the variable effect on behaviour of visitor number and noise. Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research, [online] 8(4), pp.268–282. doi:https://doi.org/10.19227/jzar.v8i4.523.

Species: 6 western lowland gorillas and 5 Bornean orangutans.

Method: observations during talks.

Key findings: inactivity showed a significant negative relationship with visitor number in gorillas. However, gorilla inactivity levels declined significantly with increasing visitor numbers but showed no significant relationship with noise. Orangutan inactivity levels were unaffected by visitor numbers and noise.

In orangutans, a visual observation was they would sit with their back towards the window when noise levels peaked.

Overall, four gorillas and 1 orangutan showed stereotypical behaviour during these talks and periods of high noise. The gorillas showed a decrease in feeding activity when the noise levels were high.

Mitigation: Implementing the use of technology and headphones for talks so the noise doesn't destress the animals, but the visitor is still gaining knowledge and interaction. Another mitigation could be to adapt the enclosures so the animal's view of people is blocked by or minimised to reduce the stress of visual activity outside their enclosure.

Megan J, Kylen N G, Grace F, 2021, Effects of Visitor Presence and Crowd Size on Zoo-Housed Red Kangaroos (Macropus Rufus) During and After a COVID-19 Closure, Animal Behavior and Cognition, Available at: “https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kylen-Gartland/publication/355819980_Effects-of-Visitor-Presence-and-Crowd-Size-on-Zoo-Housed-Red-Kangaroos-Macropus-rufus-During-and-After-a-COVID-19-Closure.pdf”, (Accessed: September 2024). 

Species investigated: Red Kangaroos (Macropus Rufus) 

Method of study: They were kept in a walk-through habitat. During operating hours, visitors were instructed not to touch or feed the animals and to stay on the pathway. 125 observations were made (21 hours over 5 weeks) when the zoo was closed, and for another 5 weeks when the zoo opened. Scan samples were collected. Individual behaviour, location, social proximity and proximity to the visitor path. Observers also recorded the temperature, weather conditions, keeper presence and crowd size. All observations were conducted outside of the habitat using binoculars to avoid potential influence on behaviour. 

Key findings: When the zoo was reopened to the public, there was increased inactivity. This increased trend in inactivity was true for almost every individual. After the zoo reopened, social proximity also increased. Space use was higher when the zoo was closed than when it reopened. Space use was significantly influenced by zoo status. Space use decreased as crowd size increased. When large crowds were present, feeding was decreased. Some individuals were never observed feeding when visitors were present.  

One suggestion: Possibly decreased frequency/removal of the walk-through aspect. Have people be able to view the animals but not walk through their enclosure. This could mean space use, social proximity, inactivity and feeding would go back to normal levels during opening hours. If this continues, at least further limit the number of people who can enter.

species, siberian tigers.

observation method, observing 3 different time periods with varying visitor numbers

findings, more steriotypical behaviours were found in both tigers, levels of aggression were high in the female but didnt shift much, they didnt show much behaviour shift between the levels of visitors, but there were very obvious signs of stress

Article:Thicks, S. (2008) 'Is there a visitor effect on Abyssinian Ground Hornbills (Bucorvus abyssinicus), Papuan Wreathed Hornbills (Aceros plicatus), Wrinkled Hornbills (Aceros corrugatus) and Toco Toucans (Ramphastos toco) in a captive zoo environment?', The Plymouth Student Scientist, 1(2), pp. 30-55.

Species Assessed:

‌Abyssinian Ground Hornbills, Papuan Wreathed Hornbills, Wrinkled Hornbills and Toco Toucans.

Method:

One of the species was randomly selected from a name in a hat and every minute the number of visitors, children, pushchairs and wheelchairs were recorded. So were the noise level, location of the bird, height, and the behaviour. This was then repeated for each individuals.

Findings:

The main findings from this study were Abyssinian Ground Hornbill 1 and 3 were the only two birds to show an association between visitor numbers and behaviour. Papuan Wreathed Hornbill 1, the Toco Toucans, Wrinkled Hornbill 2 and Abyssinian Ground Hornbill 1 and 3 all demonstrated an association between visitor number and location within the enclosure, with some occurring more often in the outside zones with increasing visitor number. An association was also seen with regards to height (m) and visitor number for Wrinkled Hornbill 2, Abyssinian Ground Hornbill 1 and 2. All of the birds were not using their enclosure evenly, with some worst than others.

Abyssinian Ground Hornbill 1 showed a similar pattern in behaviour when exposed to numbers of children and visitors; this could suggest that the bird was not influenced by the type of visitor, but rather one or more aspects, for example noise or activity. This study cannot define which aspects of the visitor condition are causing a significant change in behaviour- further studies would be needed to establish this.

Possible mitigation strategy:

Relocate the enclosures of the hornbill species or toucan species that showed a negative correlation between number of visitors and there behaviour to an area of the zoo with less visitor traffic.

Farrand, A., Hosey, G. and Buchanan-Smith, H.M. (2014). The visitor effect in petting zoo-housed animals: Aversive or enriching? Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 151, pp.117–127. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2013.11.012.

Species- Mixed breed goats, llama, and Vietnamese pot bellied pigs.

Method of Study- They carried out a behaviour observation, observing how the animals reacted to the visitors. Behaviour was categorised into: affiliate with conspecifics, aggression towards visitors, avoid visitors, contact with visitors, contact with conspecifics, contact with non- conspecifics, feed, proximity to conspecifics, rest, retreat area, sit, survey, respond to grooming, tolerate grooming. Human behaviour: affiliate with animals, pursue animals, visitor grooming, visitor aggression.

Key findings- weather was an unlikely variable.

Goats interacted most with visitors, pigs slightly less, and llamas less of all. Neither the goats or pigs directed aggressions towards visitors, but llamas did slightly.

Goats wanted to spend more time with visitors if the visitors were grooming them. They had less interest if they were not being groomed.

Ultimately, goats and llamas behaviour was unaffected by the presence of visitors. But pigs exhibited less undesirable visitor-directed behaviour meaning it had a negative visitor effect in the pigs.

How visitor effect could have been mitigated- The animals had a fenced in space they could go into if they wanted to not be touched by visitors, however, the pigs didn't have access to this as it was a small fence they could not go under or over. If the pigs had access to this area, they may be more inclined to interact with visitors when they want to, rather than having to interact with them all the time.

Research Aims: The study aimed to determine if a one-hour guided zoo tour could positively influence visitors' connection to nature and their conservation attitudes. It also explored whether the type of tour (e.g., general tour, themed, or involving animal feedings) had different effects.

Methods: The researchers surveyed 269 participants before and after their zoo tours. The surveys measured changes in nature connectedness and conservation attitudes. The study included different types of tours to compare their effectiveness.

Key Findings: All tour types positively impacted participants’ connection to nature and conservation attitudes. Notably, those with a higher pre-existing connection to nature benefited the most from themed and animal-feeding tours. The study demonstrates that even simple zoo programs can effectively enhance environmental awareness.

research aims: to see if peoples knowledge increase after attending workshops

method: attent 3 workshops one being practical. then tested on their understanding of conservation .

key findings: more understanding and yes responses. dome had better understanding of one learning objective than others

To find out how successful an in school zoo education program had been in giving children a better understanding of conservation

The method:

445 students from seven participating schools were surveyed using pre and post program surveys to evaluate how much they had learnt

The key findings

students showed an increase of 60.5% in their understanding of conservation, and a 24% increase in understanding pro-conservation along with a positive change in attitude towards conservation showing that the in school program is successful

https://jzar.org/jzar/article/view/439

method: delivered multiple workshops to the same group of students (7-11 years old) then a repeated survey was used to test their knowledge.

findings: students had a positive attitude to the programme, increased conservation knowledge and changed attitudes to conservation and zoo issues.

methods: this programme delivered multiple workshops under a common conservation subtheme to the same group of students within the UK Key Stage 2 year groups (ages 7 to 11). A repeated measures survey was used as the primary instrument for assessing impact.

key findings: the programme correlated with a positive, measurable and statistically significant impact in the student learners, particularly in terms of conservation-related knowledge but also student attitude to conservation and zoo-related issues.

reference:

Moss, A.G., Littlehales, C., Moon, A., Smith, C. and Sainsbury, C. (2017). Measuring the impact of an in-school zoo education programme. The Journal of zoo and aquarium research, [online] 5(1), pp.33–37. doi:https://doi.org/10.19227/jzar.v5i1.217.

‌

Method: four workshops delivered over multiple visits to selected schools. The first three workshops delivered theoretical content, the fourth was a practical hands-on session that focused on reinforcing the core messages. For the final workshop, zoo volunteers also assisted.

Key findings: that the multiple-visit Safari Ranger pilot programme correlated with a positive, measurable and statistically significant impact in the student learners, particularly in terms of conservation-related knowledge but also student attitudes toward conservation and zoo-related issues.

Research aims: The aim of this research was to determine if the time spent at a zoo impacts learning and whether learning is recalled after a visit.

Method: Children were tested on their knowledge after a 5 day zoo camp visit and then again 6 months after the visit. Initial knowledge tests were undertaken at the start of the zoo trip to determine what level of understanding the children had beforehand.

Key findings: Children learnt more when they were interacting with experiences provided by the zoo and when they had previous zoo knowledge. Girls were more likely to retain knowledge compared to boys however longer visits meant more knowledge was retained after the visit regardless of gender.

Lucy

Research aims - To find out how successful public talks about animals were with visitors and their attentiveness.

Method - by using unobtrusive recording equipment showed depending on where a visitor was and if there vision was obscured.

Key findings - visitors were less attentive to the talks when there was poor visibility.

Moss, A., Esson, M., & Bazley, S. (2010). Applied Research and Zoo Education: The Evolution and Evaluation of a Public Talks Program using Unobtrusive Video Recording of Visitor Behavior. Visitor Studies, 13(1), 23–40. https://doi.org/10.1080/10645571003618733

JENSEN, E. (2014). Evaluating Children’s Conservation Biology Learning at the Zoo. Conservation Biology, [online] 28(4).

Ellen

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2. Method: Participants were invited to complete an online survey, a follow up telephone interview. This is after keeper talks and digital signage with information about species.  

3. Key findings: Equal mixture of challenges and successes. Challenges with program implementation including staffing issues. Staff supervision increased visitor engagement.  

Mellish, S, et al. 2021, Challenges and successes to the implementation of a zoo conservation-education program, Evaluation and Program Planning, 88.  

method: not stated in summary text

key findings: zoos overemphasis their importance in education

there are many ways for zoos to educate

the method they are using is their challnegings within the zoo and doing research around that area and linking it conservation and eduction.

their key finsings are finding reccomendations within the public which can stregnethen their conservation and education aspects of the zoo

The aims were to see if a school education programme was giving these children a greater and better understanding of conservation efforts.

Method was to go to some workshops and then the children would be tested on what they have learnt and their understandings Evaluating an in-school zoo education programme: an analysis of attitudes and learning: Evaluation of zoo education | Journal of Zoo and Aquarium Research (jzar.org)

Olivia

Research Aims : To measure effectiveness of in-school education services supplied by Chester Zoo Safari Rangers

Method : Providing multiple workshops, both theoretical and practical, to multiple schools. Also organised a zoo trip. Results gathered using a repeated measures survey.

Key Findings : Revealed a positive correlation between education and understanding; however there was no significant difference between students who attended the zoo trip and those who didn't.

Counsell, G., Moon, A., Littlehales, C., Brooks, H., Bridges, E., Moss, A., (2020) Evaluating an in-school zoo education programme: an analysis of attitudes and learning. Journal of Zoo & Aquarium Research, pg 100-104.

AIM: to evaluate the impact of an in-school repeat-engagement zoo education program provided by the Safari Rangers of Chester zoo

METHODS: they designed repeated measures survey that was used to measure a positive or negative change over the course of the program. the surveys were distributed on paper to all participants immediately prior to the program and a one month before the last session. providing the with both quantitative and qualitative data

FINDINGS: it revealed a positive change in conservation understanding between the pre and post surveys

Methods: Visitors were observed at multiple enclosures and monitered. Notes were taken invloving stay time and when the peak of visitors were at an enclosure , and what the reason for this was. Guests were timed and observed.

Key findings: Mammals are by far the most popular taxonomic group for visitors to observe. However , it is suggested people stayed for the most charismatic animals since they wanted the "zoo experience" and came with a pre exisiting expectation.

Vertebrae and birds were the least interesting groups to visitors.

The Aims of this research were to see how the exhibit/enclosure design effects how the visitors interacted with the animals and vice versa, how the animals would interact with the visitors. Some enclosures that looked appealing to public, or the public concerned the welfare of the animal, were found to have more viewings.

They measured the number of visitors viewing the exhibit and the time they spent there.

They found that depending on how the enclosures were set up, determined how visitors would behave and the length of time they spent there. For example, a zoo placed camoflage over the viewing glass to a gorilla enclosure. This meant that visitors approached the area in a calmer manor, and actually felt they could see the gorillas being more active because the gorillas felt less 'watched'. It also ensured that there were no big crowds surrounding the glass. Zoos need to be both entertaining and educational. Naturalistic enclosures with active animals is more affective in fulfilling both of these. But attracting large amounts of visitors to certain enclosures is counterproductive in the zoos welfare objectives.

Fernandez, E.J., Tamborski, M.A., Pickens, S.R. and Timberlake, W. (2009). Animal–visitor Interactions in the Modern zoo: Conflicts and Interventions. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 120(1-2), pp.1–8. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2009.06.002.

Just a FYI: Really interesting article, but it does seem to be more of a research article, lots of us useful information but I would delve deeper on their references to find out more about the methods used.

Visitor engagement with different types of zoo signage.

Tarantulas, snakes, lizards

replicates loose soil, allows the animals to set up burrows and holds humidity well while not having as much of a risk of parasitic hitchhikers that you might find with topsoil

Allows burrowing, natural looking, absorbent, free of dust, dyes and irritants, odour controlling properties, easy to clean, creates some insulation and warmth.

A bioactive setup includes live plants, beneficial bacteria, and substrate layers that support natural nutrient cycling. Plants like pothos or aquatic species can reduce nitrates and improve water quality while offering hiding spots. Maintaining a fully cycled aquarium is crucial, as axolotls are sensitive to ammonia and nitrate levels

Strict biosecurity is vital to protect axolotls from pathogens. Quarantine any new tank additions, such as plants or live food, to prevent disease. Regular water testing and dichlorination with appropriate conditioners ensure water remains safe. Avoid substances like iodine or aloe vera in treatments, as these can harm axolotls

To keep nitrate levels at 20 ppm or below, axolotl tanks need weekly water changes and other routine maintenance. It is crucial to keep an eye on water characteristics including nitrites, ammonia, and pH (6.5–8.0). Maintaining a steady and healthy atmosphere is also aided by appropriate filtration and cleaning procedures.

• Axolotl Central, 2024. Axolotl care guide: Water quality and enrichment. Available at: Axolotl Central.

• Decoding Biosphere, 2023. Species Spotlight: Axolotl – The regenerating wonder. Available at: Decoding Biosphere.

• MDPI, 2023. Effects of enclosure complexity and design on captive animals. Available at: MDPI.

Humidity: 40%-60% 

bioactive- Doesn't necessarily need to be in a bioactive enclosure. Would need a large mew/falconry shed, although they're not the biggest birds of prey. With access to inside and outside. Sparrow Hawks live in woodland areas so you could provide coir/soil at the base of enclosure, with your usual clean up crew (springtails and woodlice), leaves, if you had a big enough enclosure, that was contained, you could plant small trees. They'd provide perches for the sparrow hawks or nesting areas as they nest within the fork of a tree.

Biosecurity measures- Double doors so one can be closed on entering to prevent the bird escaping. Would need the enclosure to be fairly secure from outside wildlife, such as rodents, you wouldn't want your hawk to catching anything that you're not feeding it, will prevent possible diseases. Hand washing area and somewhere to keep disinfectants. Vaccinate bird against illness's as bird flu is on the rise. Remove any uneaten food. Regularly clean and disinfect equipment and enclosure. Wear protective clothing

Structures:
Perches- different sizes and heights, made out of wood to be natural and comfortable
Shelter: wooden box- for security
Water source: for drinking and bathing, needs to be shallow
Climbing structures: branches - to keep them active
Enrichment
Rock piles: acts as perches as well as hiding spot
Nesting platforms- practice natural behaviour

Fence/ wire meshing around and above enclosure
Doors to get in
Flight pole- exercise 

Ensure plants are non-toxic, easy to maintain and able to thrive in the local climate, and will mimic the lynx’s natural habitat (promotes natural behaviours)

-          Varied terrain: woodchips, rocks, soil, etc

-          Dense vegetation & shrubbery give the lynxes space to hide

-          Dense, low-growing shrubs (e.g. juniper, bush clover)

-          Small/Medium tress (e.g. birch, oak, pine) provide climbing and shade

-          Herbs (e.g. thyme, lavender) for enrichment

-          A small pool/stream will provide enrichment and potentially offer a place for the lynxes to drink and cool off.

-          Aquatic plants (e.g. water lilies, cattails)

substrate: natural soil for a comfortable surface,wood chippings these can be used in sleeping areas to provide cushioning ,sand for digging, grass to pay on/lie on.

enrithcment: branches for climbing, hiding spots such as bushes/dens, interactive toys such as puzzle feeders which can help for stimulation and mental challenges, scent enritchment such as herbs for the animal to explore the enclosure more which will help with excersie, food enritchment, scatter feed.

This study shows that various complications can occur with euthanasia, not making it 100% reliable and effective.

AZA formed to contraceptive task force to investigate he safest and most effective form of contraception for animals

steroid hormones - progestins - interrupt sperm and ovum transport - these are added to food and have been found

effective in almost all mammals

These contraceptives are reversible so if certain species needed to breed again they could, but ultimately the goal was to find alternatives to euthanasia and transport. Animals loved by the public could be kept, and those that were overbreeding could be stopped to make space for the breeding of more important species.

Wild Mammals in Captivity: Principles and Techniques for Zoo Management ... - Google Books

page 470

Methods: A 57 question online survey was sent out to professional veterinarian groups that were the most likely to have performed euthanasia on zoo-housed or exotic species. Multiple choice questions were mainly used with additional optional open ended questions to obtain further details. All responses were anonymous and related directly to euthanasia complications, with voluntary participation.

Findings: After data analysis, 41 cases were described containing complications, 29% using excessive medication for outcome, 22% couldn't stop heart function, 10% animal woke up afterwards and 29% had other unspecified complications. 56% of these cases occurred in mammals, 20% avians & 17% reptiles. Research hypothesized that mammals would have the lowest rate of complications due to the common practice in small animal veterinary medicine, however results showed that mammals had the highest complication rate (56%).

Reference: Keeney, C., Harrison, T., 2022. Euthansia Complications in Non-Domestic Species. Journal of Zoological Botanical Gardens. [e-journal]. 3(4), pp 616 - 623. https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg3040045

Research focus: whether or not euthanasia is a good enough tool for dealing with surplus in zoos, or alternatives should be considered. Mentions Copenhagen Zoo with the male Giraffe.  

Methods: Researches the different options/literature review of dealing with surplus animals aside from euthanasia, and the different causes of surplus animals to begin with and how to manage this in a better way. Looks into the view of animal rights versus animal welfare.  

Findings: Zoos can be used for trade instead of culling animals. There are potential benefits to welfare but other drawbacks to this. Contraception can have its own benefits and disadvantages. Reintroduction/release to the wild and dispersion to other institutions. Potentially dangerous trade to private collections is an option for some species. Euthanasia itself is argued for and against for several reasons.  

This article actually spoke about the loss and grief that is experienced among zoo professionals and the impact it has on their welfare.

Zoo professionals and volunteers obviously have an essential role to the wellbeing of many animals and in their conservation efforts so it's important to keep their needs in order too.

A questionnaire was sent out to various zoo professionals and asked whether they had experienced loss of the animals in their care, whether it be sudden or expected.

74% came back and said that they had experienced an anticipated loss... meaning euthanasia.

Many Zoo professionals mental health are affected by such losses and could potentially have a huge affect on their ability to work.

Many zoos need to work harder to prepare their staff and volunteers for these losses. And to have better knowledge in how to help with mental health as many professionals felt responsible for the deaths of the animals in their care. And to provide more support.

method - uses literature reviews on existing ethical discussions on euthenasia focusing on moral and welfare issues. analyses real world case studies.

findings - public backlash - public reactions usually negative, welfare implications - could be emotionally distressing for zoo staff. ethical concerns - euthanising healthy animals could make the animals be seen s resources rather than beings with actual value.

‌

Focus : The discussion if euthanasia is an effective method to manage surplus animals within a zoo and the ethical considerations along side it. As well as if other methods should be used.

The article used various sources , opinions and reviews to form evidence for either side of the topic. As well as gathering information of other methods to a manage surplus of animals.

Research Focus : Establishing a decision-making framework for geriatric zoo mammals

Method : Investigated 70 mammals in 5 European zoos, assessing their physical condition and quality of life.

Retrospective cases were studied the medical and necropsy reports

Findings : geriatric animals have a significantly reduced quality of life, and therefore welfare, and often experience mild-to-severe pain before euthanasia is considered

Suggests a scoring system and framework to provide reliable decision-making for euthanasia so animals don't suffer during deliberations

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/animal-welfare/article/scoring-system-to-evaluate-physical-condition-and-quality-of-life-in-geriatric-zoo-mammals/000E48CCCE63CD4CCE9A51F139A289CA

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Condor- appendix 1, wild species could become extinct without severe trade restrictions. Trade is only permitted in exceptional circumstances.

Since bearded dragons are not listed under CITES, zoos do not need to obtain CITES permits for their import or export

While CITES permits aren't needed for bearded dragons, zoos must still follow all national and local regulations related to wildlife trade, animal health, and ethical sourcing when importing or exporting these reptiles.

Giraffes are under Appendices 2. They are not considered to be threatened with extinction but could become so if trade is not monitored and regulated.

Red Pandas are under Appendices 1. They are considered endangered and therefore trade is restricted. They can only be moved under extreme circumstances- for Conservation or scientific research.

(Tapiridae) spp. Appendix I – except species Tapirus terrestris in Appendix II

Species considered at high risk of extinction and international trade is permitted only in exceptional circumstances.

Strict Regulations ensuring that any trade is legal and doesn’t threaten the survival of the species.

Zoos would require an export & import permit, health certificates via a qualified vet & transport permits, and documentation of origin.

research has shown many people go to these interactions for knowledge and education on animal and conservation issues.

many studies have show that there is not long term impacts on conservation knowledge retention and if it makes the visitor adopt pro conservation efforts after visiting.

interacting with the animals is shown to increase visitor empathy and perceptions of good welfare for the animals. for example if a visitor sees a meerkat playing while interacting with them, they make think they are happier than the ones who arent playing therefore changing if they think they have good welfare or not.

(Normando, S., Pollastri, I., Florio, D., Ferrante, L., Macchi, E., Isaja, V., and Mori, B., 2018. Assessing Animal Welfare in Aimal-Visitor Interactions in Zoos and Other Facilities. A Pilot Study Involving Giraffes. Animals. [e-journal]. 8(9). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani8090153)

Overall, zoo visitors gained specific conservation-based knowledge and had higher behavioural intentions towards pro environmental behaviours following their zoo visit. However, the study found no evidence to prove the experience of the close contact interaction between visitors and animals itself was successful at further improving conservation education (Clifford-Clarke, et al., 2021).

Students were split into 3 groups. Group 1 had a live presentation with live animals, group 2 had a recorded presentation with live animals, group 3 had a recorded presentation with no live animals.

Students took a pre-test collectively and a post-test individually.

Knowledge gain was measured using multiple choice species-specific questions in the pre and post test.

Results showed average knowledge gain did not differ between groups. The largest increase was a 27% increase in group 1 and a 16% increase in group 3. No major influence on knowledge gain was found.

researchers suggest that close experiences can be achieved whilst maintaining high standards of welfare, and enclosures and contacts can be designed in a way to reduce stress for the animal and minimise contact

increases people’s interest in having certain species as pets - species of which are not domesticated nor appropriate for people to keep as a pet - Ross et al. [36] discovered that the presence of a human or humanistic element (e.g., office background, human clothing) in photographs of chimpanzees increased presumptions that the animal was not endangered and that it would make a good pet

education - zoo keepers get to raise conservation issues and share information first hand with visitors, which educates them and has seen to increase their interest in conservation

https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/12/1/11

In their research they concluded that overall education programs did not significantly affect ambassadors' welfare, but targeted individual among the species were stress such as the camels during animal rides their FCM levels were raised

Animal ambassadors often came into educating visitors when they were megafauna.

An analysis of 1,900 overheard visitor conversations suggests that zoo animals are used to facilitate topical interaction among social groups and to explore the connections that people share with nonhuman animals.

Stop Circus Suffering uses PINK. It’s a very bright obvious colour, and the writing is highlighted by this colour with a block behind it, making it stand out. Fairly unique colour- usually used for love, tenderness, tranquillity… however could be portraying thoughtfulness, caring, empathy.

https://www.stopcircussuffering.com/news/usa/