Connecting and Interacting

Animals provide a powerful draw for zoos and aquariums, with over 143 million visits per year made to institutions in the United States. Visitors come because of a desire to experience animals: to see them, but also, in one way or another, to interact with them. This is consistent both with the way humans naturally explore and learn about the physical world, and with a desire to build a relationship with animals and nature. This article looks at the research documenting visitors' desire to interact, and at the issues interaction raises for museums with living collections. It surveys some of the wide range of approaches zoos and aquariums have taken to supporting interaction, specifically as it relates to supporting a relationship with animals. Finally, it considers where research and evaluation results can inform exhibit decisions.