Conservation, welfare, education and recreation in zoos

Zoos have long occupied a complex position, balancing roles in conservation, education, animal welfare, and recreation with concerns about how effectively these aims are achieved, particularly in contexts where regulatory oversight and resources are limited. In this thesis, I examine the role of zoos in Thailand, a country with a high number of zoos driven by a large tourism sector and weak legislation on animal welfare and the protection of captive wildlife. I evaluate how well the different types of Thai zoos (accredited, government and private zoos) conform to the roles expected of modern zoos in terms of conservation impact, the provision of animal welfare, educational value, and responsible recreation opportunities. My research combines qualitative and quantitative data to analyse zoo collection compositions, the welfare potential of exhibits, the educational content of signage, and the nature of animal-visitor interactions. Data were collected between 2020 and 2024 through on-site surveys in zoos throughout Thailand. I examined the range of variables influencing the types of bird species displayed within collections, developed a practical assessment to evaluate environmental parameters in exhibits, a framework to examine the educational content of signage, and a framework to assess the impact of animal–visitor interactions on animal welfare and conservation messaging. The findings reveal that the type of zoo influenced how well institutions conformed to modern zoo objectives, with accredited zoos demonstrating greater alignment than government or private facilities. Differences in the roles of zoos, their institutional priorities, sector-wide knowledge, and broader societal understanding were likely contributing factors, compounded by a weak regulatory framework. Within this context, the influence of accreditation remains uncertain, as institutional values may exert a greater impact than accreditation status alone. Government zoos often served a distinct role in housing rescued or confiscated wildlife, whereas profit-driven private zoos were primarily exploitative, further explaining their limited adherence to international best practices. Profit-driven practices reflect a wider pattern in which many zoos fail to engage in meaningful conservation and educational efforts, instead prioritising entertainment over animal welfare and raising serious questions about the balance between profit and responsible stewardship. Ultimately, my research underscores the urgent need for zoos to adopt a more transparent, ethical, and conservation-driven role in society. By examining zoo performance in a context where regulatory frameworks and resources vary significantly, my study contributes to the global discourse on zoo reform and emphasises the need for robust zoo standards that ensure ethical practices and long-term institutional accountability.

Grantor dc:publisher

Oxford Brookes University

Author dc:creator

• Fourage, Anna

Contributors dc:contributor

• Nijman, Vincent
• Nekaris, K.A.I.
• Campera, Marco

Statement dc:rights

• All rights reserved

Language dc:language

en

DOI dc:identifier

https://doi.org/10.24384/th24-1573

OAI identifier oai:identifier

tle:d2d31224-99e5-47a3-a442-f1ab6854e178:d6bd9758-527a-46cd-bfe2-c433766e8fca:1