The case for keeping genetic rarities, in the hope that they may increase visitor numbers and resources for conservation, also comes under scrutiny within this topic of debate. Balmford conflicts these findings and states that there is no justification in simply keeping popular animals that in general are larger, more expensive to maintain and breed at slower rates. The results showed that animals of larger body size were more popular with visitors and larger species were more popular per unit cost. Data were collected at Zürich Zoo, Switzerland, in 1996 and assessed the popularity of 35 of the zoos exhibits. and Ward that there is a relationship between popularity and body size within zoo animals and that the loss of larger species may result in decreasing visitor numbers and adversely affect the income of the zoo. This would mean visitors to zoos would be steady and at a lower level but would also suggest that only the most successful zoos would survive. Turley predicts three possible futures for zoos (rejuvenation, petrification or decline) and finds petrification to be the most likely future outcome. Not having any children was one frequently stated reason for not having visited a collection within the past three years. The results indicated that the primary motivation for people visiting a zoo is pleasure, orientated towards children (75% of visiting groups contained at least one child).
Turley conducted a study based on UK zoos that focused on tourism. It has been stated that the popularity of zoos has declined over the past 20 years partly as a result of a rise in competing attractions.
It is clear that as well as contributing significantly towards biological conservation, providing an attraction for the public also commands consideration, as this is where many zoos generate the majority of their income. The role of zoos has evolved over recent years –. Zoos should incorporate generating high popularity scores as part of their collection planning strategies, to ensure that they thrive in the future, not only as tourist attractions but also as major conservation organizations. No relationship between demographic variables and visitor numbers was found (Pearson correlation: n = 34, r = 0.268, P = 0.126), which suggests that the popularity of a zoo's collection relative to the types and numbers of species kept is more indicative of a collection's visitor numbers than its surrounding demographic figures. Animal collections are aggregated around large cities and tourist regions, particularly coastal areas. Zoo visitor numbers were positively correlated with generated popularity ratings for zoos based on the species kept within a collection and admission prices (Pearson correlation: n = 34, r = 0.268, P = 0.126 and n = 34, r = −0.430, P = 0.011). The main aims of this research were: (1) To observe the distribution and location of zoos across the UK, (2) to develop a way of calculating zoo popularity in terms of the species kept within a collection and (3) to investigate the factors related to visitor numbers regarding admission costs, popularity of the collection in terms of the species kept and local demographic factors. Members are selected for their expertise on areas such as conservation and education in zoos.The debate as to which animals are most beneficial to keep in zoos in terms of financial and conservative value is readily disputed however, demographic factors have also been shown to relate to visitor numbers on an international level.
#UK ZOO S UPDATE#
undertake a comprehensive review and update of the Secretary of State’s standards of modern zoo practice to safeguard standards of animal welfare and public safety in zoosĪll members sit in a personal expert capacity and do not represent any particular body.seek and obtain advice from other persons or organisations with knowledge or experience relevant to the Committee’s work.consider any animal-related issue where there is a specific zoo interest and offer advice on animal welfare.investigate any specific aspects of zoo policy and practice falling within its remit.The Committee can, with the agreement of Defra and the Scottish, Northern Irish and Welsh Governments: any other matters that might be considered necessary to improve standards in zoos.the operation and implementation of the zoo licensing system in the UK.the role of zoos in conservation, education and scientific research.The Committee’s terms of reference are to provide independent, authoritative, impartial and timely advice, to Defra and the Scottish, Northern Irish and Welsh Governments on:
The Zoos Expert Committee ( ZEC) is an expert committee of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs ( Defra) and the Scottish, Northern Irish and Welsh Governments.