4 - Anthrozoology and Visitor Behaviour

Summary

This chapter examines animal–human relationships in zoos and the behaviour of visitors. Keeper–animal relationships are important to the welfare of both, and keepers are important sources of information for researchers. Some animals pose a health and safety risk to keepers, veterinarians and visitors as a result of accidents or disease transmission. The behaviour of visitors in zoos has become an important area of academic and practical interest. Researchers measure dwell time as an indicator of the extent to which an exhibit holds the attention of a visitor. It is important to understand how visitors know their position in a zoo (orientation), how they find their way (wayfinding) and how they move around in a zoo (circulation) because these factors can affect their satisfaction with their visit and influence animal welfare.