Destressing at the Zoo

A new study carried out by Michigan State University and the Detroit Zoo confirms what I've long suspected.  Zoos and aquariums aren't just fun places to go to learn about animals (and plants) and support efforts to conserve them in the wild.  They are also good for your mental health. 


According to the study authors, participants in stress-tests who were given the chance to walk around the Detroit Zoo after their exposure to high stress events felt calmer and happier than those who did not have such opportunities.  It made a point of determining that they were also happier than those who watched screen footage of those animals (just for all those folks who say we don't need zoos because we have YouTube and Discovery Channel).  Now, Detroit is a very nice zoo with lots of natural, high quality exhibits.  I'd be very interested to see how visitor stress levels compared if they visited natural, lushly-planted, well-landscaped zoo habitats versus barren, old-style exhibits.


It's nice to get some confirmation.  For as long as I can remember, no matter how stressful my day has been (usually because of the zoo... or at least the people there), a walk among the animals goes a long way to making everything better.

It's science: Viewing zoo animals reduces your stress levels

Giraffe Encounter (Photo: Joshua Hanford)