Human-Animal Interactions in Zoos

Integrating Science and Practice

Eduardo J Fernandez, Sally L Sherwen

• Publisher: CAB International
• Year: 2024
• Print ISBN:
  9781800622685
• eBook ISBN:
  9781800622715
• Topic: Biological Sciences
• Subtopic: Zoology
• Index: Biological Sciences

Human-Animal Interactions (HAI) are a primary welfare interest to both animal scientists and practitioners. In zoos and aquariums, the study of Animal-Visitor Interactions (AVI), including both the impact of visitors on animals (the visitor effect) and the impact of animals on visitors (the visitor experience), have become a focus for understanding HAIs in zoos. The study of HAIs in zoos has grown to consider a number of factors, including animal-staff interactions and bonds, modern exhibit design and technology, direct and indirect interactions, as well as positive and negative impacts on both animals and visitor alike.This thought-provoking book summarizes the latest research concerning the impacts of HAIs in zoos, including considerations for conducting research and managing HAIs. The book: Explores the interactions of animals with keepers, veterinary professionals, and other staff, and the effects of those interactions on the welfare of animals.Considers the impact of visitors on the well-being of animals.Covers the effects of interactions on education and the visitor experience.Outlines the use of technology to enhance experience, and improve animal welfare.Details theoretical, ethical, and practical considerations relevant to HAIs in zoos.An invaluable resource for animal behaviour and welfare scientists, students and practitioners, as well as anyone working with zoo animals.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title Page
• Copyright
• Contents
• Contributors
• 1. An Introduction to Human–Animal Interactions in Zoos and Aquariums
• 2. The Ethics of Human–Animal Interactions at the Zoo
• 3. Animal–Visitor Interactions
• 4. Animal–Staff Interactions
• 5. Enhancing Visitor–Animal Interactions in the Modern Zoo: A Designer’s Perspective
• 6. Human–Animal Interactions, Technology and Release Programmes in the Modern Zoo
• 7. Assessing Visitor Effects on Zoo Animals
• 8. A Conceptual Model for Understanding Types of Visitor Effects and Suggestions for Improving Visitor Effects Research
• 9. The Visitor Effect in Primates
• 10. The ‘Visitor Effect’ in Non-primate Zoo Species: What Do We Know and Where Should We Go Next?
• 11. Measuring the Visitor Experience
• 12. Types of Visitor Experience
• 13. Maximizing Zoological Education and Learning Experiences
• 14. Understanding and Improving the Visitor Experience: How Can We Increase the Positive Social Impact of Animal–Visitor Interactions?
• 15. Human–Animal Interactions in Zoos and Aquariums: Emerging Themes and Next Steps
• Index
• Back Cover