Reconsidering anthropomorphism for human interactions with zoo-housed animals: Review and recommendations

Abstract Zoos have long employed anthropomorphic perspectives in presenting and interpreting their animals. And yet, there are benefits and risks when analogizing nonhuman animal motivation and behavior to human motivation and behavior and calling them equivalent. In this review, we briefly explore the debate over anthropomorphism in animal behavior literature and then discuss its application to the zoo setting. Though the use of anthropomorphism to understand or interpret animals is fraught in the animal behavior research and zoo worlds, we argue for an expanded yet cautious application when using it in zoological settings. Visitors stand to connect better with animals and learn more, we believe – and with greater accuracy – about the species they encounter with the deployment of an informed and limited anthropomorphism, both in the zoo and beyond. It is an especially useful tool to get visitors to engage with less charismatic, and less-popular species. We conclude the review by suggesting how this more open and deliberate discussion of anthropomorphism in zoos can benefit visitors’ understanding of the animals they encounter, both of which are important elements of a more sustainable relationship with wildlife and biodiversity moving forward.