Computerized Cognitive Enrichment as a Conservation Engagement Tool: Shifting Visitor Perceptions of the Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal (Neomonachus schauinslandi)

Public viewing of cognitive enrichment may offer opportunities to connect visitors with endangered species through observation of animal learning and problem-solving. We examined visitor responses to a narrated demonstration involving a Hawaiian monk seal (Neomonachus schauinslandi) using the Enclosure Video Enrichment system at Sea Life Park Hawaiʻi. In this exploratory single-group study, 104 adults completed questionnaires before and immediately after the session. Six agreement items assessed perceptions of cognition, connection, caring, and protection; two questions addressed endangered status and the ability to learn a computer game. Paired responses were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank and exact McNemar tests, with Bonferroni adjustment across eight comparisons. Ratings increased significantly for five agreement items after adjustment, with the largest mean changes in connection and perceived problem-solving. Protection ratings were high initially and did not increase significantly after adjustment. Correct computer-game responses increased while endangered-status knowledge remained high. The single-group design limits causal interpretation and attribution to computerized enrichment specifically. These findings highlight public enrichment demonstrations as a promising setting for conservation education. Future studies should assess whether changes in perceptions and connection persist and contribute to behaviors that support endangered species recovery.