Learning at the Zoo

Years ago, zoos were one of the only educational opportunities that the public had to learn about wild animals.  Today, we have the internet, documentaries, live-streaming videos of animals in the wild, and all sorts of other technologically-advanced learning tools.  Some people suggest that this means that zoos have had their time, that they are now educationally obsolete.

The authors of a new study in Conservation Biology, however, beg to differ.  The findings of a recent study suggest that visits to zoos and aquariums increase awareness about biodiversity and encourage visitors to help conserve wildlife.  The study can be found here (it's a paid-access site, but the abstract is free).

Zoos and aquariums around the world attract more than 700 million visits every year. (Credit: Chris Smith/Flickr)