The Joyful Connection Between Zoo Animals and Their Visitors
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Chapter 1: The Intriguing Dynamics of Zoo Visits
In my experience, visiting the zoo around my birthday (January 25) has always been a delightful choice. The cooler temperatures tend to invigorate the animals, making them more active compared to the lethargy often seen during the sweltering summer months. However, I often grapple with mixed feelings about zoos.
On one hand, the notion of animals in captivity troubles me deeply. On the other, I recognize the importance of educating the public about wildlife and providing researchers with opportunities to study animal behavior. Over recent years, there has been significant focus on the issue of boredom in zoo animals, leading to valuable insights into their mental well-being. Thankfully, we are also discovering ways to enhance their living conditions.
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Section 1.1: Understanding Animal Boredom
Research over the past decade has made it clear that animals, like humans, can experience boredom. This is something many pet owners can intuitively understand. A pivotal study published in 2017 in the journal Animal Behaviour by Charlotte C. Burn from The Royal Veterinary College in the U.K. introduced the term “Bestial Boredom” and called for further investigation into the phenomenon.
Psychologist and chimp trauma specialist Stacy Lopresti-Goodman echoed Burn’s findings in an NPR article, elaborating on the concerning behaviors exhibited by bored animals. She noted, “Boredom in captivity can absolutely lead to depression. Many animals in captivity engage in abnormal, repetitive behaviors, like pacing and self-biting, in an attempt to self-stimulate in the absence of social, cognitive, or environmental stimulation.”
While it may seem absurd to doubt that animals can feel a spectrum of emotions, including boredom, this research supports the arguments of animal rights advocates about the ethics of keeping animals confined in zoos. Subjecting any being to a monotonous routine devoid of mental engagement is enough to drive them to distress, particularly for those that are inherently social creatures—a sentiment that became evident during the pandemic lockdowns.
Section 1.2: The Influence of Zoo Visitors
In light of these findings, researchers aimed to explore how the presence of zoo visitors affects animals' mental health. A team from Nottingham Trent University and Harper Adams University reviewed over 100 studies to assess “the impact of zoo visitors on 252 non-primate species/species groups.” While the majority of these studies (56 percent) focused on mammals, they also included reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. Their findings were published in the journal Animals in March 2023.
The results revealed that visitor presence influenced animal behavior in 38 percent of the cases examined, including notable changes in elephants. According to a press release from Nottingham Trent University, “The team found significant results regarding elephants, with social activity among the animals increasing and repetitive behaviors—often indicating boredom—decreasing during public feedings.”
Interestingly, researchers noted that elephants exhibited less “moping” when visitors were present. Increased visitor turnout during feedings correlated with heightened activity levels in elephants, which continued even after the feeding sessions concluded. These animals engaged in more enriching activities like foraging.
Other species also responded positively to the presence of guests, including “penguins, jaguars, grizzly bears, polar bears, cheetahs, servals, banteng, and black-tailed prairie dogs.” The press release further stated, “Visitors affected species’ behavior in various ways, including their activity levels, enclosure space utilization, feeding, movement, rest, and changes in abnormal, vigilance, and social behaviors.”
However, some species, such as flightless birds, hedgehogs, ostriches, and marsupials, appeared less enthusiastic about human visitors. Previous studies suggest this reluctance may stem from their natural instincts as prey animals that are less accustomed to human encounters—especially those that are nocturnal or inhabit secluded environments. More research is necessary to understand these dynamics fully.
Chapter 2: Rethinking the Role of Zoos
The first video titled "Why are visitors so HUNGRY!? Planet Zoo Every Animal Franchise Zoo (Part 3)" explores the varying behaviors of zoo animals in response to visitor engagement, shedding light on their experiences and interactions.
The second video, "Reversed Zoo: Animals Are Free, People Are In Cages," presents a thought-provoking perspective on the traditional zoo experience, challenging our views on captivity and animal welfare.
To be fair, many zoos around the globe strive to create innovative enclosures that mimic animals’ natural habitats. For instance, the San Diego Zoo, established in 1916, spans 100 acres and is home to over 12,000 endangered and rare species, consistently ranking as one of the world's best zoos. My visit there left a lasting impression on me.
Ultimately, my wish, shared by many animal enthusiasts, is for these creatures to thrive in happiness and security. While the ethical debate surrounding zoos persists, it is heartening to gain a deeper understanding of the animal kingdom—both for scientific advancement and to enhance their care.
Thanks to the research we've discussed, we now have insights into which animals appreciate our presence, motivating me to visit them more often. If you’re planning a trip to your local zoo soon, consider checking the schedule for feeding times to enjoy the experience even more.