Project Results

We are excited to announce the publication of our research in Animal Behavior and Cognition! We found that inquiry facilitated programs encouraged participants to ask more questions than in storytelling conditions, and that storytelling facilitated programs encouraged a broader range of questions, suggesting that facilitation style influences curiosity. We also found that both types of facilitation styles influence connections to the animals. Please use the link above to access the paper.

About This Project

Many zoos offer opportunities for visitors to have up-close encounters with ambassador animals. These encounters have the potential to increase interest in these animals and hopefully inspire visitors to take action to protect animals in the wild. We will study how interactions with ambassador animals at the Bronx Zoo affects visitors’ interest, learning, and conservation intentions.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

Up-close encounters with animals are powerful experiences for zoo visitors and research shows that a range of interactions can positively impact perceptions of animals, a critical precursor to inspiring conservation action. Zoos offer various ways for visitors to meet animals, including participant-driven programs in which visitors direct the discussion and facilitators are expert resources, as well as curriculum-driven programs in which facilitators actively guide the experience. Here we examine how facilitation affects participants’ reactions, learning, and conservation intentions during and after these experiences. Zoos prioritize conservation; using ambassador animals to capitalize on visitors’ excitement towards conservation intentions will advance their mission.

What is the significance of this project?

Zoos and aquariums in the US serve millions of guests each year and are valued sources of science and conservation information. Their diverse guest base and status as wildlife and conservation experts positions them to inspire people to act on behalf of wildlife. Programs that provide animal encounters provide opportunities to emphasize conservation. Facilitating experiences with ambassadors require extensive investment by zoos in training staff and animals to work with guests. It is critical these experiences inspire and spark curiosity, and advance zoos' conservation missions. Studying two types of facilitated experiences will provide insight in how to design experiences to empower guests to act on behalf of wildlife.

What are the goals of the project?

We will investigate the effect of facilitation on participants’ reactions, learning, and conservation intentions during and after two program types at the Bronx Zoo. We will observe 10 participant-driven programs and 10 curriculum-driven programs with a range of animals. We will develop a group level observation protocol to track affective responses, learning indicators, and conservation action interest. We will also interview 10 participant groups immediately after the program to gain insight into their experiences. Using a grounded theory approach, we will surface common themes to use to develop recommendations to ensure that animal ambassador programs are not only exciting and engaging, but also inspire conservation action.