Requests for zoo visitors to undertake pro-wildlife behaviour: How many is too many?

Liam D.G. Smith, Jim Curtis, Judith Mair and Pieter A. van Dijk

Tourism Management, 2012, vol. 33, issue 6, 1502-1510

Abstract: Recognising the potential conservation impact, zoos regularly ask their visitors to undertake pro-wildlife behaviour. This paper presents the results of two studies undertaken to address the question: how often during a visit should visitors be asked? Study 1 sought to a) determine individuals' personal thresholds and b) the point where the number of different behaviours requested began affect visitors' experiences. Study 2 sought the same, but focused on requests for the same behaviour. Results suggest that few respondents' personal thresholds were crossed (2.5% in Study 1 and 9% in Study 2). In neither study did many respondents (2.5% in Study 1 and 2.8% in Study 2) feel that the number of requests negatively affect their overall zoo experience. While there are caveats, we conclude that there appears little cause for concern about asking zoo visitors on multiple occasions to act in support of wildlife. Indeed, such requests may improve experiences.

Keywords: Zoo; Pro-wildlife behaviour; Behaviour requests; Impact on experience (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2012
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:touman:v:33:y:2012:i:6:p:1502-1510

DOI: 10.1016/j.tourman.2012.02.004

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