Blog: What is Anthrozoology and why is it so important for the zoo industry?

Professor Samantha Hurn, Programme Director for Anthrozoology at the University of Exeter, on how the study of anthrozoology goes side-by-side with modern zoos:

Anthrozoology is the multi-disciplinary study of the diverse ways in which humans interact with other animals. Anthrozoologists come from a range of academic and professional backgrounds, including many who work with and for zoological institutions and aquaria around the world. This is because as an academic field, anthrozoology can provide valuable knowledge and skills of relevance to all aspects of the zoo and aquarium industry. Anthrozoological research and training also speaks directly to BIAZA’s purpose “to create a better future for the planet and its inhabitants” and the aim to “drive excellence in animal welfare, conservation, education and research, demonstrate our members’ value to society, and use our collective expertise and voice to influence policy and champion positive behaviours.”

Many anthrozoologists are concerned with encouraging a greater connection with, and appreciation for, the natural world through their research and teaching. Anthrozoologists are also actively engaged in developing and refining animal welfare assessments, contributing to greater understanding of animal sentience, and improving knowledge of the behavioural repertoires and needs of different species both in captivity and in the wild. Anthrozoological research has also explored the ways in which humans perceive other animals, and how this impacts on welfare.

Anthrozoological research also contributes to enabling zoological institutions and aquaria to demonstrate the important roles they and their staff play in conservation, education, and other areas such as tourism.

I have been fortunate to teach many students on the MA and PhD Anthrozoology programmes at the University of Exeter who work in zoos around the world. Past and current students have included zoo keepers and animal caregivers, animal trainers, zoo managers, zoo education officers, and administrators, veterinary professionals, as well as many who volunteer at their local zoos. I have also had the privilege of conducting research in zoos and aquaria, including as part of a large project focussing on how the sound environment impacted on the experience and welfare of not just zoo and aquarium residents, but also human staff and visitors. As a result of these experiences, I have been able to see first-hand the benefits that studying anthrozoology can bring to the zoological community.

Students on the MA Anthrozoology who have come from zoo backgrounds or who are working at zoos have produced important and impactful pieces of research on a huge range of topics, including:

• Designing and trialling enrichment for different species
• Reviewing and revising zoo policies, including in relation to euthanasia
• Assessing visitor engagement with conservation and educational messaging
• Investigating different formats of keeper talks
• Exploring efficacy of different content and styles of enclosure signage and information boards
• Analysis of ZIMs data to reconstruct life histories/biographies of individual animals
• Developing and refining quality of life and welfare assessments
• Assessing public responses to zoo social media
• Assessing public comments on live video feeds of zoo animals
• Exploring grief (keeper and conspecific) following deaths of zoo housed animals
• Improving communication between zoological collections to share best practice and knowledge
• Assessing impact of zoonotic disease in zoo collections
• Improving public perceptions of uncharismatic species
• Impact of animal training sessions on public perceptions
• Impacts of walk through exhibits and handling/encounters on animal welfare
• Reviewing and developing enclosure design
• Documenting the history of zoos
• Evaluating decision making in relation to cohabitation/mixed species exhibits
• Assessing risk management in relation to free contact
• Analysing representations of zoo animals in the news media

Studying Anthrozoology enables anyone who works with and for other animals to understand how people form emotional bonds with animals, which in a zoo context can improving staff and resident wellbeing, and support conservation and education goals. Anthrozoology students learn about the historical development of zoos, changing ideas around the ethics of captivity, as well as different ethical and welfare frameworks which can help zoo staff evaluate and improve captive animal care and management. Anthrozoology can encourage critical reflection on taken for granted aspects of our relationships with other animals, which can also lead to improvements in care. Anthrozoology can help students to understand different cultural attitudes towards animals which can enable them to make more inclusive educational content, as well as helping in-situ conservation projects involving local people. Many anthrozoologists focus directly on improving policy regarding animals, and studying anthrozoology provides the knowledge and skills needed to engage effectively with policy makers. Finally, studying anthrozoology can also provide valuable training and skills for zoo staff to enable them to collaborate more effectively with researchers and educators from different disciplinary and cultural backgrounds to enhance conservation and education activities across the industry.

- Professor Samantha Hurn, Programme Director for Anthrozoology, University of Exeter

All blogs reflect the views of their author and are not necessarily a reflection of BIAZA's position