TrueZoos: a guide to ethical zoos and fostering wildlife appreciation

Abstract

Interest in zoos continues to be strong, but increasing issues regarding animal welfare, ethics, and zoo involvement in wildlife conservation have indicated a gap in the availability of information that could enable average citizens to analyze these facilities. Even when there are institutions like the Association of Zoos and Aquariums that offer accreditation for facilities, the criteria used may not always be clear or easy to understand by the layperson, particularly the youth. This project introduces TrueZoos, a digital platform and future business model designed to examine and promote ethical zoos through public education, interactive experiences, and clearly defined evaluation criteria. This project aims to analyze how the integration of online tools and practical experience may help to increase public awareness about ethical issues related to zoos. Methods that would be used include development of a website structure, elaboration of the criteria of an ethical zoo based on the principles of animal welfare and conservation, and development of a program that would allow organizing summer camps for middle school and high school students, together with trips to different places for individuals of any age. This would involve practical participation in zoo visits and various activities aimed at learning about animals. Other elements would include the production of various media materials and the use of funding sources sponsored by communities. Based on the predicted results, integration of online access with practical experience may lead to increased awareness of ethical issues regarding zoos and a more critical attitude to their work.