Zoo experiences and the human dimensions of saving wildlife – a joint WCS and ZSL Symposium

Zoos and aquariums tend to focus on animal conservation and science learning. Zoo visitors, however, focus on the social value of their experience together at zoos rather than the need for specific learning about conservation. Zoos provide opportunities for cultural and moral development, and social change but, without focusing their attention on these human dimensions, zoos and aquariums could jeopardize the ability to succeed as conservation organisations that are relevant to society.

This symposium seeks to advance the global conservation agenda by investigating scholarship on moral, psychological, sociological and political aspects of zoo-going, including the presentation of new information from conservation psychology.

It will highlight what we know and what we need to know about:
a) zoos and aquariums as part of the community narrative helping people make sense of their relationship to nature, and
b) zoos and aquariums as conservation change agents. The goal is to help zoo and aquarium professionals frame an understanding of their cultural importance and to help zoos become more effective conservation advocates.

Practitioners from within zoos and from the wider social science academic community will contribute to this meeting.

Organised by John Fraser (WCS, USA), Carol D. Saunders (Chicago Zoological Society, USA) & Thomas Webler (Antioch University New England, USA)