October 2008
Are Zoos the ultimate form of EcoTourism? Prepared by Andrew Fairley, Chair, Zoos Victoria Delivered by Dr Kelly Bricker
Title of Chapter
Zoos Victoria • Zoos are not unusual in needing to manage multiple & conflicting roles – Conservation, Education & Tourism. • This theme of conflicting roles is one that runs through much heritage based tourism.
Dr Peter Mason Journal of Sustainable Tourism 2000
EcoTourism must be: zNature based or natural resource based zFocus on learning about nature zContribute to conservation zSmall scale/low impact zLocally orientated Dr Peter Mason
Vision & Mission of 40 Zoos z z z z
Conservation leadership Environmental responsibility Outstanding animal care Great recreational & family experience
But the 3 most common; z Inspiring a passion for the natural world z Connecting people to wildlife z World leadership in conservation & biodiversity
ZOOS ARE INCUBATORS FOR TOMORROWS CONSERVATIONISTS – We inspire our visitors to ACTION!
Zoos Victoria Research - January 2008 Exit Survey •68% of visitors were more motivated to learn more about wildlife conservation & •64% of visitors were more motivated to do more about wildlife conservation, as a result of their visit!
ZOOS ARE COMMUNITY FOCUSED•Service local communities •Friends of Zoos •Most visitors are local ZOOS HAVE HERITAGE LINKAGES•Iconic sites •Pre/post contact history •Cultural & heritage tourism collaboration
NEOS – 24% of Australians & 20% of Americans zRead more zEarn more zSpend more zVisit zoos more zSocially progressive zHigh Locus on control
ECOTOURISM MUST BE: zEcologically sustainable zNature based zEnhance environmental & cultural understanding zDeliver strong conservation outcomes zImprove wellbeing of local communities
Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria: 6/10/08 zDemonstrate sustainable management zMaximise social/economic benefits to local community zMaximise benefits to cultural heritage zMaximise benefits to environment
Zoos & EcoTourism zHealesville Sanctuary (Zoos Victoria) advanced ecotourism accrediation zOpen Range Zoo (Zoos Victoria) ecotourism accreditation zOther Zoo sites currently being certified
“Seeing an animal in its natural habitat is better than seeing one in a Zoo, but seeing one in a Zoo is better than seeing one on film.� S. Bostock Ethics of Keeping Animals
Wolf Exhibit – Brookfield Zoo, Chicago Outstanding interpretation through; zChild friendly wolf den zMulti sensory theatre of wolf pack zTrail teaching wolf behaviour zDig carcass of wolf prey
Positives of Zoo Visitation zSupporting local community zNo GHG emitting flights zNo crowding of pristine areas and threatening habitats zMay also inspire visitations to natural destinations through impactful conservation messaging
Close linkages between Zoos & Ecotourism zPromotion of EcoTourism operators internationally zAdvocating adoption of principals of ecotourism to visitors zMutual endorsement of values
Zoo Tourism is a powerful tool to promote conservation leadership, habitat protection & education through interpretation. ECOTOURISM – QUADRUPLE BOTTOM LINE
Animal Protection Health is increasingly at risk due to exposure to humans. Multiple conflicts should be considered.
Zoos can have a significant impact on attitudes towards conservation & habitat protection. That is what we aim for from Ecotourism.