Marine wildlife entanglement and the Seal the Loop initiative: a comparison of two free-choice learning approaches on visitor knowledge, attitudes and conservation behaviour

• Published in: International zoo yearbook Vol. 50; no. 1; pp. 129 - 154
• Main Authors: Mellish, S., Pearson, E. L., Sanders, B., Litchfield, C. A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.01.2016
• Subjects: conservation behaviour; conservation education; free-choice learning; Marine; marine debris; marine wildlife entanglement; Seal the Loop initiative; zoos and aquariums
• ISSN: 0074-9664; 1748-1090
• DOI: 10.1111/izy.12132

Marine debris poses a significant threat to marine wildlife. Given human action is responsible for this litter, reducing debris in the marine environment and rates of marine wildlife entanglement (MWE) (i.e. marine animals that are trapped in debris, such as fishing nets or plastic) rests on public education and action. This study investigated the effectiveness of the Seal the Loop (STL) initiative at Melbourne Zoo, Australia, which was designed to meet these aims. The research used visitor surveys following a visit to a fur‐seal exhibit and/or educational fur‐seal show experience (n = 180 visitors). The findings from this study suggest that participants understand the causes and effects of MWE after visiting the fur‐seal exhibit and/or watching the STL show, with both groups accurately appraising that MWE presents a significant risk to marine wildlife (mean = 84·28/100, sd = 17·97, and mean = 88·61/100, sd = 13·39, respectively). However, between‐group differences also emerged, with show visitors more likely to report learning something new, more likely to be familiar with the STL programme and its aims, displaying more positive attitudes towards marine animals and their conservation, and reporting both a higher willingness to change their future behaviour to support marine conservation (P = 0·052) and a higher perception that their individual action could make a difference (P < 0·05). This study adds to the literature regarding how interactive shows with storytelling can complement traditional static displays, as well as informing our understanding of the interplay between public knowledge/attitudes/behaviours in relation to marine debris and marine‐conservation issues. It is hoped this research will contribute to the ongoing development of education initiatives at zoos and aquariums to enable them to achieve their conservation missions.