Mentor/s
Dr. Deirdre Yeater
Participation Type
Poster
Abstract
Research has indicated that the most important feature of a zoo or aquarium exhibit is its level of interaction. In response, facilities have seen an increase in more experience-oriented exhibits, where studies on interaction levels are limited. The current study investigated whether guests engaging in an upclose animal encounter would be more likely to make lifestyle changes (targeting single-use plastics) and contribute to conservation efforts. Participants were recruited from Mystic Aquarium after either observing a sea lion show, free with general admission or engaging in an African penguin up-close encounter for which they paid an extra fee to closely interact with penguins. Both groups received similar conservation messages about the impacts of single-use plastics on wildlife. Survey data was collected immediately after the show/encounter, with a follow-up survey two weeks later for all groups. Some participants were asked to take an additional pledge to reduce plastic use and the others were given a fact sheet about the animals. Preliminary data suggested that single-use plastics remained the same or decreased.
Location
Digital Commons
Start Day/Time
4-24-2020 2:00 PM
End Day/Time
4-24-2020 4:00 PM
The Impact of Up-Close Animal Encounters on Aquarium Visitors Conservation Behaviors
Digital Commons
Research has indicated that the most important feature of a zoo or aquarium exhibit is its level of interaction. In response, facilities have seen an increase in more experience-oriented exhibits, where studies on interaction levels are limited. The current study investigated whether guests engaging in an upclose animal encounter would be more likely to make lifestyle changes (targeting single-use plastics) and contribute to conservation efforts. Participants were recruited from Mystic Aquarium after either observing a sea lion show, free with general admission or engaging in an African penguin up-close encounter for which they paid an extra fee to closely interact with penguins. Both groups received similar conservation messages about the impacts of single-use plastics on wildlife. Survey data was collected immediately after the show/encounter, with a follow-up survey two weeks later for all groups. Some participants were asked to take an additional pledge to reduce plastic use and the others were given a fact sheet about the animals. Preliminary data suggested that single-use plastics remained the same or decreased.
Students' Information
Ashley Penczynzyn --- Senior (2020), Neuroscience, Honors student
Kelly Rosenbaum --- Junior (2021), Psychology