Wildlife

This comparison of the attitudes toward three types of hunting between residents of the United States and residents of Sweden shows that support for hunting in both countries varies depending upon the type of hunting.

This research project surveyed public attitudes toward threatened and endangered species and Steller sea lions in particular. More specifically, researchers explored respondent preferences for protecting these animals.

The public has long criticized the use of animals in the entertainment industry. This paper presents a discussion of animal rights in the hospitality and tourism industry and proposes ethical guidelines.

A recent survey by Animal Defenders International found overwhelming public sentiment against the inclusion of wild animals in circuses, based on concerns about animal welfare.

A survey of the feral horse population in the Australian Alps national parks estimates the population to be about 7,679 horses, which represents an annual increase of 22% from 2003. Experts predict the population will reach over 13,800 horses by 2012, which may have environmental implications.

This study examined tourist preferences for wildlife management at a stingray-feeding attraction in the Cayman Islands, finding that 68% of respondents preferred fairly strict management rules, while the others preferred the status quo, which allows for more extensive human-wildlife interaction.

This 2010 study conducted for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game found that most adults living in the Anchorage area understand and tolerate coexisting with wildlife, which includes large and potentially dangerous animals. An estimated 250-300 black bears, 60+ brown bears, 4 wolf packs, and 1,700 moose live in or around the city of Anchorage.

This report systematically studied the behavior of a solitary dolphin off the southeast coast of England in 2007. Accompanied by humans for 18.4% of the 100 hours of observation, the dolphin changed her behavior during human presence, at times exhibiting behaviors possibly hazardous to people in the water and to the dolphin herself.

A strategy known as dolphin-assisted therapy claims that brief exposure to dolphins is so rewarding that it produces positive benefits to or "jump-starts" a human patient's receptiveness to more conventional physical therapies.

This article argues that the study, analysis, and sharing of information on animal welfare programs among different zoos and aquariums will potentially lead to improved animal welfare among all facilities.