Association of Zoos and Aquariums
The Bronx Zoo's brilliant "Madagascar" exhibit is a year old, and there have been 5 births during that time. Also, in a new study it has been shown that human visitors to the exhibit have garnered knowledge about conservation issues that they did not previously have. This is what all zoos should be striving for! Zoos are not just for animals as some tend to think, but are designed for people and the world of conservation and education.
Cut and pasted from the article:
Three red ruffed lemurs, 1 collared lemur and 1 Coquerel’s sifaka, all primates endemic to Madagascar, were born in the exhibit. In addition to the births, the first year of Madagascar! shows that its human visitors are also benefiting from the experience. Visitors are emerging much more knowledgeable about the conservation issues facing this island nation located off the coast of Africa.
According to a study conducted by Randi Korn and Associates (partially funded by National Science Foundation) the exhibit is successful at helping visitors develop new understandings about conservation in Madagascar. For example, after experiencing the exhibit, the majority of visitors could explain the roles of scientists working in Madagascar and their effect on conservation. This is a significant shift, as prior to visiting the exhibit, 70 percent of visitors could not express how conservationists protect Madagascar. Visitors also became more knowledgeable about the animals’ habits, environment, and endangered status, as well as appreciative of their natural beauty.
The Bronx Zoo's brilliant "Madagascar" exhibit is a year old, and there have been 5 births during that time. Also, in a new study it has been shown that human visitors to the exhibit have garnered knowledge about conservation issues that they did not previously have. This is what all zoos should be striving for! Zoos are not just for animals as some tend to think, but are designed for people and the world of conservation and education.
Cut and pasted from the article:
Three red ruffed lemurs, 1 collared lemur and 1 Coquerel’s sifaka, all primates endemic to Madagascar, were born in the exhibit. In addition to the births, the first year of Madagascar! shows that its human visitors are also benefiting from the experience. Visitors are emerging much more knowledgeable about the conservation issues facing this island nation located off the coast of Africa.
According to a study conducted by Randi Korn and Associates (partially funded by National Science Foundation) the exhibit is successful at helping visitors develop new understandings about conservation in Madagascar. For example, after experiencing the exhibit, the majority of visitors could explain the roles of scientists working in Madagascar and their effect on conservation. This is a significant shift, as prior to visiting the exhibit, 70 percent of visitors could not express how conservationists protect Madagascar. Visitors also became more knowledgeable about the animals’ habits, environment, and endangered status, as well as appreciative of their natural beauty.