| Title: |
Can Anthropomorphism Help Save the Leadbeater's Possum. |
| Authors: |
Skibins, Jeffrey C.1 jskibins@ksu.edu, Smith, Amy M.2, O'Brien, Jacquie3 jobrien@zoo.org.au |
| Source: |
IZE Journal. 2015, Issue 51, p22-25. 4p. |
| Subject Terms: |
*ANTHROPOMORPHISM, *LEADBEATER'S possum, *WILDLIFE conservation, *ZOO visitors, *ZOOS, *ANIMAL ecology |
| Geographic Terms: |
AUSTRALIA |
| Abstract: |
When presenting conservation messages, the use of anthropomorphism has been intensely debated. On the one hand, it has been argued that attributing human characteristics to wild animals could create misconceptions of a species' natural history and ecological role. However, from the standpoint of interpretation, anthropomorphism can be a useful tool to help foster a connection to wildlife, which has been shown to strongly correlate to pro-conservation behavioral intentions. This paper discusses the role of anthropomorphism in Zoos Victoria's Lunar's Secret Forest exhibit and its affect on behavioural intentions. Results show visitors were able to attribute human characteristics to Lunar - an anthropomorphized Leadbeater's Possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri), as well as live Leadbeater's possums. In both instances, anthropomorphism was related to visitors' emotional connection to and willingness to act on behalf of Leadbeater's Possums. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: |
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