Fall is approaching. Visits to Z/As are getting replaced with Saturday morning soccer games and afterschool clubs. As this seasonal shift happens, how do visitors’ perceptions of zoos and aquariums change when they aren’t visiting as frequently? NewKnowledge researchers Shuli Rank and Dr. John Fraser will tackle this question on a panel at the Association of Zoos and Aquarium Annual Conference in Seattle, WA this September. This discussion on Evolving Perceptions of Zoos and Aquariums and What to Do about Them will address where perceptions of zoos and aquariums exceed, meet, or fall below what the public expects of these institutions.
With members of the panel, WZAM3 researchers will talk about how information collected from previous visitor surveys can help Z/As better address questions asked by the general public and visitors. Transparency about these questions can improve understanding, dispel misconceptions, and assure the public and visitors that AZA accredited facilities work hard to ensure the best care for their animals.
Join us in Room 608 on September 26 from 4:00 – 5:30 PM to learn why researchers need to interrogate the public’s perception and expectations of Z/As in general when they aren’t currently attending one to determine the role that Z/As have in the ecology of STEM learning.