Zoo Tourism: Biodiversity Conservation Through Tourism

Abstract

Zoos endeavour to meet their conservation role through captive breeding, education, research, animal welfare, environmental enrichment, reintroduction, and support for in situ conservation of species and their habitats. Zoo tourism can be a tool in promoting biodiversity conservation, especially through education and interpretation. This paper discusses the challenges and constraints faced by zoos in meeting their conservation role while at the same time providing opportunities for the public to learn more about and enjoy nature, albeit in artificial conditions. A case study of the captive breeding programmes that are implemented in the Philippines in collaboration with certain leading zoos overseas is also presented. It examines the potential contribution of tourism in sustaining these programmes. Zoos’ ability to balance the need to remain economically viable and to play a major role in biodiversity conservation is a major challenge that requires sustained public support and collaboration with other zoos including relevant research and academic institutions. More research is needed to determine the contribution of zoos and captive breeding centres as tourism attraction/destination towards the promotion of conservation ethos and sustainable zoo tourism practice.