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Entertainment, Education, and Captive Animals

Submitted by Carol Glasser on Jul 09, 2010 |
For many families, summer is a time for entertainment and family field trips. Many of the most popular theme parks and special events of the summer involve the use of animals for entertainment: county fairs have petting zoos; water parks have dolphin-shows; circuses entertain audiences by having large animals perform tricks; and zoos and aquariums leave animals in enclosures so that they can be observed by human visitors.

HumaneSpot.org: A Little Something for Every Animal Advocate

Submitted by admin on May 10, 2010 | | | | | | | | |
Written by Diane Venberg, one of HRC's 2010 interns, this wonderful overview of HumaneSpot.org shows the breadth of our research database and highlights a number of important studies. Be sure to give this blog a read if you've been wanting a taste of what HumaneSpot.org has to offer before applying for access. And if you have any research that you think should be included in our database, be sure to let us know.

Insight for Advocates: See the Latest Animal Tracker Results

Submitted by Che Green on Apr 28, 2010 | | | | | | | | |
As those of us at HRC mention regularly, the purpose of conducting research is often to overcome (or validate) our own assumptions and biased viewpoints. It can be difficult for advocates who feel strongly about animal protection to understand the attitudes and behavior of those who are less moved by the suffering of animals. To really know what non-advocates think - and why - it is essential to ask them directly and then filter their responses through rigorous analysis. You may be surprised by the answers and how different they can be from the beliefs of animal advocates.

Do Zoos and Aquariums Promote Attitude Change in Visitors? A Critical Evaluation of the American Zoo and Aquarium Study

Submitted on Apr 18, 2010 (Original item from 2010)
by Emory University, Georgia State University, Morehouse College, Arizona State University
This analysis of a 2007 study by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (Falk, et al.) finds at least six major threats to the study's methodological validity, leaving no compelling evidence for the AZA's conclusion that visits to zoos and aquariums produce long-term positive effects on people's attitudes toward other animals.

Tulsa Zoo Organizational Analysis and Governance Study

Submitted on Apr 15, 2010 (Original item from 2010)
by Tulsa Zoo
This organizational analysis of the Tulsa Zoo and Living Museum identified recommendations for an ideal governance model for future growth and development of the facility. The report includes relevant operating info on other American Zoo Association (AZA) accredited facilities and operations.

Towards an Ethical Framework for Animal-Based Attractions

Submitted on Apr 03, 2010 (Original item from 2008)
by Emerald Group Publishing
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.

Animal Attractions Too Popular to Quit

Submitted on Mar 26, 2010 (Original item from 2010)
by TTG Group
The popularity of animal attractions remains high despite concerns about animal welfare, according to a survey by Tui UK, which offers tourist excursions involving animals. The survey noted that two-thirds of Tui customers thought it was important for the company to consider animal welfare.

There are Big Gaps in our Knowledge, and thus Approach, to Zoo Animal Welfare

Submitted on Feb 28, 2010 (Original item from 2009)
by Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust
Gaps in knowledge about zoo animals prevent improving animal welfare. Society tends to value environmental variables like space and companionship over other factors that may affect animal welfare. In addition, focus on mammals hinders efforts to improve the welfare of other species. By closing gaps of knowledge concerning zoo animals, society may improve the state of zoo animal welfare.

Programmatic Approaches to Assessing and Improving Animal Welfare in Zoos and Aquariums

Submitted on Feb 24, 2010 (Original item from 2009) |
by Hunter College
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.

Upcoming 3rd Wave of HRC's Animal Tracker

Submitted by Che Green on Nov 10, 2009 | | | | | |
Wave 3 of HRC's Animal Tracker, slated for early next year, will survey a representative sample of adults in the U.S., addressing questions like knowledge of various animal issues, the influence of concern for animals on personal choices, perceived impact of the animal protection movement, and support for the movement's goal of eliminating animal suffering. We'll also be able to compare the results with findings from the baseline survey, which was conducted in early 2008.
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