Visitors urged to join a survey that may shape the future of zoos

Chester Zoo ticketholders are invited to be part of a global research project into how zoo visitors respond to visits.

Chester Zoo scientists are spearheading a worldwide study in partnership with Nottingham Trent University into how zoo visits affect the mood, wellbeing and nature connectedness of people who spend time in these unique spaces.

Over the next few weeks, Chester Zoo ticketholders will receive emails asking them to take part in the study. Members and on-day visitors can already scan a QR code on site to take part in the research. As a thank you, all participants will be entered into a draw to win an animal adoption.

Study designer Bridget Johnson, a Chester Zoo Conservation Scientist and Nottingham Trent University PhD candidate, specialises in social science research.

She said:

“The people who take part are helping us understand what role zoos play in people’s connection to nature and their own wellbeing.

“There is clear evidence that spending time in green and blue spaces like gardens and waterscapes, and social inclusion and engagement with nature, is beneficial to human wellbeing. Anecdotally, we know many visitors see themselves as part of a zoo community and value exploring zoo habitats. But there is very little research specifically into zoos, where these factors come together in a unique way.”

Comparing how people feel before and after they visit will provide a clear snapshot of what zoos can offer in terms of supporting wellbeing and nature connection. It is also an opportunity for self-reflection for zoo organisations in terms of how they can better benefit society.

Globally, zoos and their supporters put a lot of thought and effort into animal conservation, habitats and care. Less attention is paid to how spending time in a zoo environment may benefit visitors.

Ms Johnson said:

“I’ve worked in zoos a long time and I see the value of what they do, but I think the Covid pandemic shone a light on how little political acknowledgement there is of their importance to people and conservation.

“Zoos really struggled during lockdowns and are still struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. Ordinary people who feel passionately about their goals support them – the Save Our Zoo campaign was an amazing example of that – but that same support is often not there at the policy level. It’s clear that if zoos are to survive, their value needs to be evidenced at every level, and this survey will give us hard data underpinned by a scientific foundation.”

The launch of the email invitation coincides with Chester Zoo’s ongoing app-guided and accessible ‘wild walks’ and buggy fitness sessions for parents aimed at encouraging people to spend time together in nature.

The zoo’s education team also hold regular animal talks, and the zoo hosts established and popular activities like Zoo Tots and the Memory Café, to help boost visitor wellbeing.

The scientific survey includes a section where respondents can share whether they took part in engagement activities like these, as they may influence the data.

Samantha Ward, Professor of Zoo Animal Welfare and Legislation in Nottingham Trent University’s School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, said:

“Zoo animal welfare science has shone a light on how we can improve the lives of animals in zoos.

“Now we really need the human data to show how zoos can also benefit society for human health and wellbeing and can offer more than just a good day out with family and friends. This research is a really exciting step and we urge people to get involved if they are planning a visit.”

The survey is currently live in the UK, Denmark, Finland and Holland, and by the end of the study, Bridget and the research team aim to have gathered responses from people across every continent where zoos exist.

To learn more, visit: 

www.chesterzoo.org