How the Puget Sound region is changing the way zoos operate
Such a positive article about zoos! It focuses on three in the Puget Sound area (Woodland Park, Point Defiance, and Seattle Aquarium), but this is something happening in many facilities these days. Zoos are adapting their programming, signage, and everything else to promote empathy with their animals, especially those that aren't so well-liked among the public. Using tactics as simple as using the word "homes" instead of "habitats" and having signs that mentions animals' names and interests can help children (and plenty of animals) understand that these are all living beings who deserve care and respect.
It does require anthropomorphization, a hotly debated topic. I'm personally not often a fan of it, because animals *aren't* humans, but for the average zoo visitor, it seems like it helps to get them to relate more. Humans like to understand things by comparing everything to ourselves and our experiences. The trick is finding the right balance.
Such a positive article about zoos! It focuses on three in the Puget Sound area (Woodland Park, Point Defiance, and Seattle Aquarium), but this is something happening in many facilities these days. Zoos are adapting their programming, signage, and everything else to promote empathy with their animals, especially those that aren't so well-liked among the public. Using tactics as simple as using the word "homes" instead of "habitats" and having signs that mentions animals' names and interests can help children (and plenty of animals) understand that these are all living beings who deserve care and respect.
It does require anthropomorphization, a hotly debated topic. I'm personally not often a fan of it, because animals *aren't* humans, but for the average zoo visitor, it seems like it helps to get them to relate more. Humans like to understand things by comparing everything to ourselves and our experiences. The trick is finding the right balance.