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Don’t be Shy about Animal Interactions


Te zoo industry has been slower to accept special experiences like touching or feeding animals and leading special tours that have long been offered at theme parks. But zoos should fear not. Te overall trend shows a positive perception of interactive experiences. And, zoo-goers are willing to pay for these experiences. Only 8% of guests that viewed these experiences as positive believe they should be free.


Te most popular of these experiences across all respondents are Behind the Scenes Tours, described to respondents as a tour where you will “see where the animals live, learn how the zoo works, and meet one animal in a special face-to-face introduction.” Family groups tend to prefer the interactive experiences like Touching, Feeding, and Swim With more than groups of adults without children.


OPINION/ATTITUDE TOWARD SPECIAL EXPERIENCES


Nearly half of respondents have no opinion either way about exclusive experiences; however, the trend of opinions skew more toward the positive than the negative.


10% 20% 30% 40% 50%


0%


Implication: When designing new exhibits, plan to include at least one special experience that will allow the zoo to gain revenue while creating a new avenue to achieve educational goals. Tese additional experiences create lifelong memories and enhance the perception of the zoo.


Positive


No opinion either way


46.6%


14.1% Very


24.9% Somewhat


Negative 9.7%


Somewhat 4.7%


Very


TYPES OF EXPERIENCES WILLING TO PAY EXTRA FOR


Of those who have a positive opinion of Special Experiences, the Behind the Scenes Tour was the most popular followed by Touch experiences, Feeding Experiences and Swim With experiences.


Behind the Scenes Tour Touch


Feeding Swim With


Dry Interactions Feeding Tour


Keeper for a Day None of the Above


0% 8% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 39% 35% 31% 44% 56% 51% 48%


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