Wednesday's IAAPA Expo Asia EDUSession, titled "Animal Interaction Trends and Guest Expectations," brought together zoo and aquarium experts to discuss the latest industry topics and trends. Moderated by Peta Wittig, panelists Chris Davis of zoOceanarium Group and Mark Eady of Pico Play sat down to discuss the evolving landscape of animal experiences in the zoo and aquarium worlds. Here are four key topics from the session:
1. The Shift Toward Sustainable and Ethical Practices
Sustainability and animal welfare are increasingly influencing traveler choices. According to Tourism Australia's Future of Global Demand Report in 2022, over 75% of travelers are committed to sustainability, with a significant proportion coming from Southeast Asia. This trend is shaping how zoos and aquariums design their attractions and interact with guests. Eady highlights the importance of understanding client constraints through a SWOT analysis to tailor sustainable solutions. Davis emphasizes aligning operational practices with the values of sustainability to meet guest expectations and maintain business viability.
2. Balancing Guest Engagement with Animal Welfare
Creating engaging yet ethical animal experiences is a delicate balance. Davis points out the ongoing challenge of presenting animals in naturalistic settings while ensuring there are "Instagrammable" moments for guests. Policies like Costa Rica's #stopanimalselfies campaign and the Big Cat Safety Act in the United States underscore the growing concern over the impact of photography on animal welfare. Additionally, third-party booking platforms are adopting animal welfare policies, only condoning and offering ethical experiences for travelers using their platform.
3. Innovative Approaches to Education and Interaction
Education and guest interaction remain crucial for conservation efforts. Despite the trend towards more "hands-off" animal interactions, Davis advocates for the value of well-managed animal encounters to foster a connection between guests and wildlife. He argues that these interactions don't always have to involve physical contact, but can include innovative and safe ways to engage guests. Eady supports this by creating "sneak attack" education experiences, using humor and unexpected moments to leave lasting impressions on visitors.
4. Evolution and Adaptation in the Zoo and Aquarium Industry
The industry must continuously evolve to meet changing consumer demands. As Davis notes, the shift from municipally operated zoos to third-party operations and private ownership has required greater responsiveness and agility. Zoos are encouraged to go beyond minimum standards, focusing on naturalistic exhibits and enrichment to improve animal welfare and visitor perception. A 2021 study from Brookfield Zoo demonstrates that guests perceive better welfare in more naturalistic exhibits, which also tend to retain visitors' attention longer. This evolution is crucial to staying relevant and ensuring the wellbeing of animals under human care.
- To gather more insights from the panel, watch the EDUSession recording on the IAAPA Connect+ app.
