Exploring citizen science as a tool for engaging zoo visitors with animal welfare

Abstract Global biodiversity losses are at an all-time high and conservation science is a priority discipline. Citizen science (providing opportunities for the public to play an active role in research projects) has been identified as a powerful tool for tackling conservation issues. Its use in zoos has been limited to date, despite the recognised link between public understanding and empathy for animals, and pro-conservation behaviours. Understanding and improving zoo visitors’ assessments of animal welfare is important for improving the likelihood of positive experiences and learning (in relation to conservation education) during zoo visits. The aim of this project was to engage zoo visitors in a citizen science animal behaviour project and evaluate (i) visitors’ understanding and assessment of animal welfare and (ii) the feasibility and limitations of generating behavioural records through visitor participation, using video-derived observations as a reference dataset to aid interpretation. The project was undertaken at The Fenn Bell Conservation Project ( n = 76 observers) and Twycross Zoo ( n = 155 observers) during summer 2023. Zoo visitors were given a multi section questionnaire which included behavioural observations of animals and perceptions of affective state, a question on a description or definition of animal welfare and a question asking them to state from where they had gained their knowledge of animal welfare. Zoo visitors’ definitions of animal welfare incorporated multiple recognised welfare domains, while their welfare ratings were broadly consistent with positively and negatively valenced behavioural descriptors. Visitors generally enjoyed the experience with 79.08% saying they found the process rewarding. Engagement with citizen science through behavioural studies in zoos is an area that should be considered more widely, as it has the potential to make significant contributions to educational provision within zoos, supporting the work of modern zoos.