Abstract
This paper looks at the behavior of lions in zoos. Zoos are critical in the education and conservation for animals. They provide people with many opportunities and encounters with animals that are otherwise nearly impossible. Having these opportunities lead me to believe that humans effect the way that animals behave in zoos. It is not natural that these animals interact with humans on a regular basis. Such drastic changes in their environment led me to think that some change in behavior must occur in animals when humans are present, more specifically, the behavior of lions. This led to the research question of how do visitors affect lion behavior? After data collection this paper discusses the link between visitors and lion behavior and what this means for both lions, zoos, and their guests. At the end of this study, I found that visitors effect lion behavior, causing them to display behaviors that symbolize stress.
Introduction …show more content…
There is something majestic about the males flowing mane and the confidence the lion seems to emit, luring audiences to become fascinated with this species. As a society, we have the privilege of having the opportunity to go to the zoo to see these animals in a safe environment. The zoos origins date back to the Neolithic period, where then zoos were used to keep animals, in order to hunt them. (Baratay, Hardouin-Fugie, 2002) Today, the main goal of current zoos is to educate visitors about animals in order to prevent extinction. This is done through programs, research, and public engagement. (Szokalski, Foster, & Litchfield, 2013) The African Lion is critically endangered, with 406 lions left in West Africa. (Henschel et al., 2014) With population numbers this low, this main goal of zoos is extremely important for the survival of the wild African
This paper looks at the behavior of lions in zoos. Zoos are critical in the education and conservation for animals. They provide people with many opportunities and encounters with animals that are otherwise nearly impossible. Having these opportunities lead me to believe that humans effect the way that animals behave in zoos. It is not natural that these animals interact with humans on a regular basis. Such drastic changes in their environment led me to think that some change in behavior must occur in animals when humans are present, more specifically, the behavior of lions. This led to the research question of how do visitors affect lion behavior? After data collection this paper discusses the link between visitors and lion behavior and what this means for both lions, zoos, and their guests. At the end of this study, I found that visitors effect lion behavior, causing them to display behaviors that symbolize stress.
Introduction …show more content…
There is something majestic about the males flowing mane and the confidence the lion seems to emit, luring audiences to become fascinated with this species. As a society, we have the privilege of having the opportunity to go to the zoo to see these animals in a safe environment. The zoos origins date back to the Neolithic period, where then zoos were used to keep animals, in order to hunt them. (Baratay, Hardouin-Fugie, 2002) Today, the main goal of current zoos is to educate visitors about animals in order to prevent extinction. This is done through programs, research, and public engagement. (Szokalski, Foster, & Litchfield, 2013) The African Lion is critically endangered, with 406 lions left in West Africa. (Henschel et al., 2014) With population numbers this low, this main goal of zoos is extremely important for the survival of the wild African