Perceptions of a Zoological Park: A Comparative Study of Educators and Visitors

Abstract

Views of educators and visitors were compared in relation to public enjoyment of a zoological park. Factors studied were the primary motivation, social orientation, and educational strategies associated with zoo visitation. Analysis of variance was used to test for significant differences between groups for each dimension. Results indicated that zoo educators were fairly good at predicting visitors’ educational and recreational motives for attendance, but showed less consistency regarding their social orientation (i.e., intrinsic values were more important to educators). When evaluating the importance of educational strategies, only two out of eight items were similar with visitors. Although educators demonstrated a reasonable understanding of zoo visitors, they were encouraged to become more market-oriented to meet the public's needs.