Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Suma Mallavarapu
Department
RCHSS - Psychological Science
Abstract
The aim of this project was to determine whether visitors utilize conservation and education displays in the Living Treehouse at Zoo Atlanta. Approximately 34% of visitors read displays and watched animals on exhibit. This subset of visitors spent significantly more time watching animals than reading displays [F(1, 44) = 15.62, p < 0.001, ƞ2 = 0.26]. Limited interaction with relatively static displays may not lead to the intended change in knowledge and conservation attitudes among zoo visitors. Interactive displays (instead of static signage) separated from animal exhibits may be more effective in attracting and holding attention and delivering conservation and educational messages to a wide audience.
Disciplines
Psychology
Included in
Visitor Behavior in the Living Treehouse at Zoo Atlanta
The aim of this project was to determine whether visitors utilize conservation and education displays in the Living Treehouse at Zoo Atlanta. Approximately 34% of visitors read displays and watched animals on exhibit. This subset of visitors spent significantly more time watching animals than reading displays [F(1, 44) = 15.62, p < 0.001, ƞ2 = 0.26]. Limited interaction with relatively static displays may not lead to the intended change in knowledge and conservation attitudes among zoo visitors. Interactive displays (instead of static signage) separated from animal exhibits may be more effective in attracting and holding attention and delivering conservation and educational messages to a wide audience.