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1. Individual‐level variability among trust criteria relevant to zoos and aquariums

   https://doi.org/10.1002/zoo.21562  

   Dwyer, Joseph de la Torre; Fraser, John; Voiklis, John; Thomas, Uduak Grace (August 2020, Zoo Biology)

   Abstract Prior research into the conceptual underpinnings of the public's institutional trust in zoos and aquariums has suggested a range of ethical dimensions that set these types of cultural institutions apart from others in the museum sector. As the recognized holders, care‐takers, and nurturers of wild animals, zoos and aquariums are sustained at least in part by the public's perception that these activities are legitimate pursuits and essential to the long‐term conservation of the natural world. This paper builds on recent research that identified the ethical dimensions of trust in zoos and aquariums and assessed their distribution among the U.S. public by analyzing survey responses with respect to the importance of trust criteria. We hypothesized that distinct clusters of individuals, as defined by their response to trust criteria items, would emerge and that these clusters would prioritize different dimensions in their trust of zoos and aquariums. Usingk‐means clustering, we identified four relevant clusters of individuals on seven dimensions of institutional trust in zoos and aquariums. Based on these clusters, we suggest strategies for addressing what may be necessary for zoos and aquariums to claim authority as agents promoting conservation behaviors in society. 

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2. Extending ecological social work to assessing support for policies addressing animal organizations in disasters

   https://doi.org/10.1080/15332985.2024.2399544  

   Whitley, Cameron T; Meglathery, Eva; McCann, Ailis; Robles, Jayden (November 2024, Social Work in Mental Health)

   During the COVID-19 pandemic, most, if not all, animal rescues, sanctuaries, zoos, and aquariums experienced financial distress. This stress had an impact on the welfare of animals and their human caretakers, an issue important to ecological social work. We draw on a novel dataset (n = 2,060) to assess support for policies to extend emergency funding to animal support and conservation organizations in extreme events. We find that, on average women and nonbinary individuals, those with more education, people who have pets, people who are concerned about other humans (humanistic altruism), and those who have greater concern for animals report greater support. 

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3. How do I feel when I think about taking action? Hope and boredom, not anxiety and helplessness, predict intentions to take climate action

   https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2021.101649  

   Geiger, N.; Swim, J. K.; Gasper, K.; Fraser, J.; Flinner, K. (August 2021, Journal of environmental psychology)

   null (Ed.)

   This research examines the extent to which four anticipatory emotional reactions (hope, anxiety, helplessness, and boredom) that arise when contemplating participating in public-sphere climate action predict intentions to engage in such action. In a large, geographically diverse sample of American adults visiting informal science learning centers (e.g., zoos, aquariums; N = 4964), stronger feelings of hope robustly predicted greater intentions to act (η2p = .22, a large effect); whereas stronger feelings of boredom robustly predicted decreased intention to act (η2p = .09, a medium effect). Both of these feelings had significantly more predictive power than political orientation (η2p = .04, a small-to-medium effect). The extent to which respondents felt anxious or helpless was not strongly correlated with their intentions to take action (η2ps ≈ 0.01, a small effect). These findings highlight the underexplored connection between how people feel when they contemplate taking climate action and their intentions to engage in such action. 

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4. Increasing Positive Perception of Disability Through Depictions of Animals with Disabilities

   https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15131861  

   Whitley, Cameron; Burnet, Marta; Sherwood, Em; Dulaney, Denny; Jones, Alexander; Cordova, Courtney; Hindes, Emma; Ankoudinova, Katya; Wehr, Brooklyn; Yates, Corin; et al (July 2025, Animals)

   Across the globe, many animals with disabilities live in zoos and aquariums, yet these institutions often face difficult questions about how to share those stories with the public in a way that raises awareness and minimizes concern about the animals’ well-being. This study explored whether anthropomorphic narrative signage could help visitors form meaningful emotional connections with these animals and, in doing so, encourage greater understanding and support for people with disabilities. Drawing on ideas from contact and transfer theories, we conducted observational research in zoo settings, comparing visitor reactions to no signage, detailed signage, and simple signage. We found that simple signage resulted in fewer negative comments, fewer questions about the animal’s health, and less frustration directed at the organization. In a related survey experiment, participants who saw a photo and brief story about an animal with a disability were more likely to express empathy and hold more positive views toward both animals and people with disabilities. These findings highlight the power of accessible messaging in informal learning spaces to reduce stigma and promote inclusion. The project was led by a diverse, interdisciplinary team of zoo professionals and disability scholars, most of whom bring personal experience with physical or cognitive disabilities to the work. 

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5. Going with the Flow: Assessing How Zoos and Aquariums Communicate Information About Marine Animals Without Faces (MAWFs)

   https://doi.org/10.3390/jzbg6020033  

   Barrailler, Kaitlin; Whitley, Cameron T; Brenkert, Sarah; Jackson, Mary; Killebrew, Nicole; Larson, Darcie (June 2025, Journal of Zoological and Botanical Gardens)

   Marine animals without faces (MAWFs), are some of the most important creatures maintaining the ecological balance in marine environments. How these animals are depicted across conservation organizations may impact public perceptions and conservation efforts. We assessed the online presentation of sea stars, jellies, and corals among all public websites of institutions accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) (N = 237). Among the organizations with an aquarium (n = 125), only 55 (44 percent) profiled at least one of the three animals, resulting in 89 total profiles. Five general approaches to characterizing these animals emerged: (1) scientific social distancing, (2) beautiful and eye-catching, (3) grotesque, otherworldly, and strange, (4) brainless beauties, and (5) objects of touch, entertainment, and experience. While some practices, like touch exhibits, can support empathy outcomes among visitors, online profile practices may contribute to the objectification of these animals among visitors, which could ultimately impact conservation attitudes, intentions, and behaviors. 

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