Animal-visitor interactions in semi-contrived tourism settings: a study of ‘Meet & Greets’ in UK zoos

ABSTRACT

Animal-visitor interactions are common in captive-wildlife tourism settings, but there is a lack of research exploring what is on offer. This study defines and examines ‘Meet & Greet’ animal experiences in UK zoos within the context of the wider wildlife tourism industry, considering the differences between semi-contrived and fully-contrived interactions. From quantitatively analysing the websites of members of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the results show that Meet & Greets are frequently offered by zoos in the UK, but that these zoos do not always explicitly describe what the interaction involves. We propose that there is a need for more research on the impact of Meet & Greets, particularly looking at how zoos advertise these experiences and how they are perceived by potential participants, as there is a danger that accredited zoos could inadvertently be promoting the exploitation of animals for photo prop opportunities in other tourist settings.

KEYWORDS:

• Zoos
• captive-wildlife tourism
• animal-visitor interactions
• animal photo props
• Meet & Greets

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Polly Doodson

Polly Doodson is a PhD Candidate at Hartpury University in the UK, exploring public perceptions of human-animal interactions in zoos. She has almost seven years’ experience of working in the zoo industry in informal education roles, including delivering Meet & Greet animal experiences, and focussing on zoo visitor research.

Vicky Melfi

Vicky Melfi is Professor of Human-Animal Interactions and Research Centre Lead for Animal and Agriculture at Hartpury University. A central theme in her research, teaching and professional activities, is a passion for professional/academic collaborations to gather data to underpin evidence-based practice, to achieve mutual benefits for people, animals and the planet.

Amanda D. Webber

Amanda D. Webber is a Senior Lecturer at UWE Bristol. She is an anthropologist whose work focuses on human-wildlife interactions and communicating conservation science. Using qualitative approaches her research seeks to find effective and acceptable solutions to enhance co-existence between animals and people.

Lucy Dumbell

Lucy Dumbell is the Academic Registrar at Hartpury University. Her fields of interest include human-animal studies and the impact of human decisions on animals. She combines this expertise with work around quality, enhancement and regulation to improve student experiences of learning opportunities.