Factors Affecting Zoo Visitors’ Conservation Beliefs and Knowledge of Large Carnivores in 2009 and a Dozen Years Later

Vesna Oražem,Andrej Šorgo,Iztok Tomažič,Aleksandra Majić Skrbinšek

doi:10.3390/su14020890

Abstract

Teaching in a formal learning environment mainly focuses on gaining knowledge, and scarcely on the development of pro-environmental attitudes. Knowledge can also be gained in informal learning institutions, such as zoos, and their potential use in general public education should not be neglected. This paper explores factors influencing the conservation beliefs of zoo visitors about brown bears, grey wolves, and Eurasian lynx. The study undertaken in Zoo Ljubljana (Slovenia) consisted of surveys performed in 2009 (n = 613) and in 2021 (n = 257). The levels of knowledge and education influenced both supporting and opposing beliefs about the three large carnivore species. The gender factor was less uniform: both supporting and opposing beliefs about lynx were demonstrated, but only opposing beliefs about brown bear and wolf. The study indicates that knowledge has the most significant influence on conservation beliefs, thus highlighting the importance of educational and communication activities in management and conservation actions regarding large carnivore species. The varied gender influence suggests that species-specific educational activities should be encouraged.

Highlights

IntroductionThree legally protected species of large carnivores—brown bear (Ursus arctos L.), grey wolf (Canis lupus L.) and Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx L.)—are broadly present in Slovenia [1,2,3]
Three legally protected species of large carnivores—brown bear (Ursus arctos L.), grey wolf (Canis lupus L.) and Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx L.)—are broadly present in Slovenia [1,2,3].The presence of these species leads to potential and even real human–wildlife conflicts
This paper explores how different factors influence the attitudes of zoo visitors toward brown bear, grey wolf, and Eurasian lynx, and their acceptance thereof

Summary

Introduction

Three legally protected species of large carnivores—brown bear (Ursus arctos L.), grey wolf (Canis lupus L.) and Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx L.)—are broadly present in Slovenia [1,2,3]. The presence of these species leads to potential and even real human–wildlife conflicts. Education is one of the most important factors for the formation of pro-environmental attitudes [6]. In conservation biology, it is recognized as an important part of the field [7]. Schools and informal learning environments such as zoos or natural history museums are crucial to informing the general public about the conservation of species and ecosystems [8]

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion