The Global Reach of Zoos and Aquaria

Zoo and aquariums (ZA) are globally ubiquitous, connecting millions of visitors annually with wildlife, and represent a significant cultural institution with an inclusive agenda, attracting a wide diversity of people. The first step to understanding the true reach of zoos and aquaria globally, and thus consider their impact, whether on animals, plants, people or the planet, it to consider how many people they reach annually as tourist destinations. This study will present the most recent data on zoo and aquaria visitation for WAZA members. Data were provided by participating National and Regional Zoo and Aquaria Associations. [Data will be provided for the presentation but are not currently available for dissemination, due to the sensitive nature of this study]. These data demonstrate that within the leisure and tourism sector, Zoos and Aquariums attract a significant proportion of the public. As appreciation of the societal value of zoos grows, and the scope of zoos to foster positive change for animals, plants, people and planet is documented. The Global Reach of Zoos and Aquaria presented here, provides an objective benchmark to help measure the reach of these activities and in so doing, demonstrate the transformative impact of Zoos and Aquaria as they progress.