Connecting people to zoo and aquarium animals

Abstract

Connecting visitors with animals is a fundamental goal for zoos and aquariums. Understanding these human-animal connections is important, not only for enhancing interactions, but also in terms of supporting broader conservation initiatives and even improving visitor wellbeing. Despite extensive research on visitor learning and conservation outcomes, there has been limited exploration into the emotional and cognitive connections that people have with animals within this setting. This thesis therefore aimed to explore our understanding of human-animal connections in the context of the zoo and aquarium.
A series of studies were conducted for this thesis to address important research gaps in the area. Studies 1 and 2 used an online purpose-designed survey to develop a definition of animal connectedness and examine factors influencing the nature and strength of people’s relationships with zoo and aquarium-housed animals. In Study 1 a working definition of animal connectedness was developed that included elements of both cognitive and affective responses to the animals. Visitors’ understanding of the animals’ behaviours and emotions was related to higher levels of connection. Additionally, in Study 2, visitors who observed animals eating or interacting with other animals had higher levels of connection than those who did not observe these behaviours. Study 3 explored if, and how, people chose to stay connected to zoos and/or aquariums during COVID-19 lockdowns. Results showed that people maintained their connection with these institutions not only out of interest in animals, but also for social reasons, underscoring the potential of these connections to contribute to aspects of social and emotional wellbeing.

Study 4 explored the efficacy of an online anthropomorphic storytelling connection tool in shaping people’s feelings of connection towards, perceptions, and willingness to donate to the care of two relatively unpopular species, a fish and an insect. Results revealed that participants who viewed anthropomorphic materials perceived animals as sharing similar traits to humans, potentially leading to increased willingness to donate to the care of zoo-housed species. The final study in this thesis (Study 5) used two methodological approaches (interviews and tank observations) to explore the value of an anthropomorphic story-based trail book in shaping a variety of outcome measures, including feelings of connectedness, learning, engagement and positive emotions towards aquatic species. The study also examined whether this type of connection tool has an impact on visitors’ connections to each other and feelings of short-term well-being. Results showed that the use of storytelling tools on-site at an aquarium enhanced learning, short-term well-being and feelings of caring and relatability, particularly towards lesser-known species such as sharks and fish.

Overall, the findings from this thesis reveal the importance of promoting emotional and cognitive connections in enhancing visitor well-being and creating positive zoo experiences. By strategically fostering these connections, zoos and aquariums may be in a position to potentially increase visitor engagement, well-being, and support for species conservation.

Thesis is embargoed until 31 July 2028.

Date of Award	Jul 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Queen's University Belfast
Supervisor	Deborah Wells (Supervisor) & Gary McKeown (Supervisor)