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Environment and Behavior
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Enhancing the Zoo Visitor’s Experience by Public Animal Training and Oral Interpretation at an Otter Exhibit

Ursula S. Anderson

TECHlab (Georgia Tech Laboratory for Animal Behavior) at Zoo Atlanta, uanderson{at}zooatlanta.org

Angela S. Kelling

TECHlab (Georgia Tech Laboratory for Animal Behavior) at Zoo Atlanta

Robin Pressley-Keough

Education Department of Zoo Atlanta

Mollie A. Bloomsmith, Ph.D.

Zoo Atlanta

Terry L. Maple, Ph.D.

Center for Conservation & Behavior at Georgia Institute of Technology

This study investigated the effects of performing animal-training sessions with Asian small-clawed otters (Aonyx cinerea) while zoo visitors watched. The effects of having an interpreter present to describe the otters and their training on zoo visitors were also assessed. The data from 389 visitors to Zoo Atlanta’s otter exhibit were analyzed, and exhibit stay times and animal activity levels were recorded during four conditions (passive exhibit viewing, interpretation-only sessions, public animal- training sessions, and public animal training with interpretation sessions). The findings suggest that public animal training and public animal training with interpretation produce more positive zoo experiences, training perceptions, exhibit size and staff assessments, and longer visitor exhibit stay times when compared to passive exhibit viewing and interpretation-only sessions. This study quantifies an outcome of positive reinforcement training beyond its effects on animals and extends the benefits to zoo visitors by providing information on how to increase positive perceptions and experiences for zoological park visitors.

Key Words: zoo • visitor • interpretation • animal training

Environment and Behavior, Vol. 35, No. 6, 826-841 (2003)
DOI: 10.1177/0013916503254746
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