Animal-visitor interactions in semi-contrived tourism settings: A study of ‘meet & greets’ in UK zoos

Doodson, Polly; Melfi, Vicky; Webber, Amanda D.; Dumbell, Lucy

Abstract

Animal-visitor interactions are common in captive-wildlife tourism settings, but there is a lack of research exploring what is on offer. This study defines and examines ‘Meet & Greet’ animal experiences in UK zoos within the context of the wider wildlife tourism industry, considering the differences between semi-contrived and fully-contrived interactions. From quantitatively analysing the websites of members of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the results show that Meet & Greets are frequently offered by zoos in the UK, but that these zoos do not always explicitly describe what the interaction involves. We propose that there is a need for more research on the impact of Meet & Greets, particularly looking at how zoos advertise these experiences and how they are perceived by potential participants, as there is a danger that accredited zoos could inadvertently be promoting the exploitation of animals for photo prop opportunities in other tourist settings.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Oct 10, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Nov 3, 2022
• Publication Date: 2024
• Deposit Date: Nov 21, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: May 4, 2024
• Journal: Tourism Recreation Research
• Print ISSN: 0250-8281
• Electronic ISSN: 2320-0308
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 49
• Issue: 5
• Pages: 992-1004
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02508281.2022.2137651
• Keywords: Zoos; captive-wildlife tourism; animal-visitor interactions; animal photo props; Meet & Greets
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/10118041
• Publisher URL: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/02508281.2022.2137651?journalCode=rtrr20
• Additional Information: Peer Review Statement: The publishing and review policy for this title is described in its Aims & Scope.; Aim & Scope: http://www.tandfonline.com/action/journalInformation?show=aimsScope&journalCode=rtrr20; Received: 2022-07-08; Accepted: 2022-10-10; Published: 2022-11-03