35,137 research outputs found
Asia-Pacific zoos in the 21st century : stakeholder perceptions of the roles and functions of zoos : a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Management at Massey University, New Zealand
The advent of the anthropocene accentuates the transformation of ecosystems on a
global scale. This study responds to these concerns by assessing the role and function of
21st century zoos in general and the Asia-Pacific zoos in particular. The lack of
information on key zoo stakeholders (visitors, staff members, corporate sponsors and
zoo associates) is significant in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in Asia, where there
are complexities that may stem from cultural and societal differences. Furthermore,
current literature is predominantly based upon Western research and case studies, which
rarely take into account the complexities and differences of Asia. This research
considers the diversity of the Asia-Pacific region by examining the perceptions and
attitudes of the four groups of key stakeholders.
Zoos in six countries across the Asia-Pacific were visited over a period of six months to
March 2013 in order to assess the diversity of the study region. A literature survey and
meta-analysis of 138 zoo-based publications was employed to create a matrix table of
themes, stakeholders, and research outcomes. These results were used to design survey
instruments directed at stakeholder groups as well as provide a framework against
which the results of this study can be compared and contrasted. Quantitative analysis
such as Principal Component Analysis, Spearman’s Rho and Kruskal-Wallis H test
were used to analyse the results. The face-to-face and computer-based instruments were
augmented with the use of a reflective diary and personal work experience to triangulate
and validate the research results.
The results show that individual zoos across the world are facing similar challenges.
Differences in educational backgrounds and socio-cultural norms within the Asia-
Pacific region are reflected in stakeholders’ experiences, perceptions, and evaluations of
zoos. The results show that there are many differences amongst Asia-Pacific zoo
practices, visitor satisfaction, and stakeholder participation and these differences would
make it extremely difficult to coordinate activities at a regional level to give them a
single voice with a single agenda
Asia-Pacific zoos in the 21st century : stakeholder perceptions of the roles and functions of zoos : a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Management at Massey University, New Zealand
The advent of the anthropocene accentuates the transformation of ecosystems on a
global scale. This study responds to these concerns by assessing the role and function of
21st century zoos in general and the Asia-Pacific zoos in particular. The lack of
information on key zoo stakeholders (visitors, staff members, corporate sponsors and
zoo associates) is significant in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in Asia, where there
are complexities that may stem from cultural and societal differences. Furthermore,
current literature is predominantly based upon Western research and case studies, which
rarely take into account the complexities and differences of Asia. This research
considers the diversity of the Asia-Pacific region by examining the perceptions and
attitudes of the four groups of key stakeholders.
Zoos in six countries across the Asia-Pacific were visited over a period of six months to
March 2013 in order to assess the diversity of the study region. A literature survey and
meta-analysis of 138 zoo-based publications was employed to create a matrix table of
themes, stakeholders, and research outcomes. These results were used to design survey
instruments directed at stakeholder groups as well as provide a framework against
which the results of this study can be compared and contrasted. Quantitative analysis
such as Principal Component Analysis, Spearman’s Rho and Kruskal-Wallis H test
were used to analyse the results. The face-to-face and computer-based instruments were
augmented with the use of a reflective diary and personal work experience to triangulate
and validate the research results.
The results show that individual zoos across the world are facing similar challenges.
Differences in educational backgrounds and socio-cultural norms within the Asia-
Pacific region are reflected in stakeholders’ experiences, perceptions, and evaluations of
zoos. The results show that there are many differences amongst Asia-Pacific zoo
practices, visitor satisfaction, and stakeholder participation and these differences would
make it extremely difficult to coordinate activities at a regional level to give them a
single voice with a single agenda
Roadside Zoos are not Zoos
The HSUS was one of the first national animal welfare organizations to take a long, hard look at all zoos, including roadside menageries. During the last nine years, we have worked intensively, conducting zoo inspections, public education and awareness programs, and developing a working relationship with the professional zoological community as well as U.S. Government agencies charged with the welfare of animals
Interpreting Enhancement of Survival in Granting Section 10 Endangered Species Act Exemptions to Animal Exhibitors
Managing endangered species in captivity presents a unique set of problems. Despite their enormous potential to preserve species in the wild - through captive breeding programs, conservation initiatives, and environmental advocacy - many facilities are lagging behind. Part II of this note discusses the evolution of zoos from ancient Egyptian displays of wealth to modern day conservation and education centers. Focusing on the Endangered Species Act, Part III introduces various laws protecting captive animals. Part IV discusses the great potential of zoos to preserve species and the ecosystems on which they rely, while acknowledging the diverse nature of animal exhibitors and the variety in quality of animal care. In response to this inconsistency, and in the context of PETA v. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Part V recommends four factors that the FWS might use to evaluate an animal exhibitor\u27s potential to enhance species survival in furtherance of the ESA
Perception of visitors towards the role of zoos: a Malaysian perspective
Zoos have multiple roles in recreation, conservation, education and research. There is a lack of information on the motivation and expectation of local visitors who visit zoos in developing countries. A social survey was carried out to identify the perception of visitors towards the roles of three Malaysian zoos. The results indicate that visitors who go to the zoo mainly do so for recreation and they prefer to see attractive and active animals, rather than threatened and healthy animals, although the variation in the mean scores of these perceptions was minimal. The majority of respondents perceived that animals were kept mainly to attract visitors. However, most respondents were knowledgeable on issues related to conservation, education and research in zoos, and would like to see zoos move towards achieving these goals. The respondents perceived the zoos, in priority order, as places for conservation, education, research and recreation. These results may provide some guidance for local zoos in future planning, in particular in designing and improving the facilities and exhibits in order to fulfil their roles effectively
The zoo as ecotourism attraction – visitor reactions, perceptions and management implications: the case of Hamilton Zoo, New Zealand
This paper reports results from a survey of 359 visitors to Hamilton Zoo, New Zealand. The questionnaire comprised items relating to motives for visiting the zoo, and evaluations of attributes, thereby permitting an importance-evaluation approach. The construction of the questionnaire was prompted by zoo management wishing to learn more about what motivated visits, and whether there were perceived deficiencies in visitors' experiences of the zoo. Like other studies (e.g. Turley, 2001) it was concluded that zoos represent an opportunity for family-based trips. However, while some opportunities exist for learning, on the whole visitors were not generally interested in acquiring detailed information about wildlife. Indeed, more importance was attached to the viewing of animals than to the recognition that possibly animals might require 'private places'. These findings prompt a discussion about the extent to which zoos might be able to replace or supplement trips to natural habitats as a means of viewing animals, and concludes that for this to happen significant changes in zoo layout would be required. Additionally, possible implications for zoo management are discussed
Skin disease in captive bats: results of an online survey of zoos and rehabilitators in Europe, North America and Australasia
Communication from the Commission to the Council and proposal for a Council Recommendation relating to the keeping of wild animals in zoos. COM (95) 619 final, 13 December 1995
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