Global Climate Change as Seen by Zoo and Aquarium Visitors

Global Climate Change as Seen by Zoo and Aquarium Visitors reports on the findings of a summer 2011 survey conducted at 15 zoos and aquariums. The study was designed to characterize the readiness of U.S. zoo and aquarium visitors to engage with the issue of global climate change. This included describing visitors' cognitive, attitudinal, and behavioral predispositions toward climate change in addition to describing their attitudes and beliefs regarding wildlife, nature, and conservation actions. Results indicate that zoo and aquarium visitors are receptive audiences for climate change education; want to do more to address climate change, yet perceive barriers to doing so; and have access to and experience with virtual social networks and other technology platforms. Furthermore, zoos and aquariums provide visitors with socially supportive contexts for discussions about animal exhibits and connections to nature; and zoo and aquarium visitors' concern about climate change and participation in behaviors to address climate change systematically vary with their sense of connection with animals.