WSEAS Transactions on Environment and Development
Print ISSN: 1790-5079, E-ISSN: 2224-3496
Volume 10, 2014
The Public Zoo as Recreation and Environmental Education Area: Visitor’s Perceptions and Management Implications
Authors: , , ,
Abstract: The present paper studies the perceptions of visitors to the zoo of Thessaloniki in relation to the animals and urban green areas. With the use of a questionnaire, the visitors evaluated the zoo as a recreation area, along with its suitability and its facilities for visitors. We have also recorded the level of satisfaction of zoo visitors with their visit, the distance they travelled for this purpose, and the frequency, time of year and duration of their visits. Visitors were asked their opinion on whether they agree with the operation of the zoo and then had to evaluate the contribution of the zoo in relation to entertainment, to getting children acquainted with animals and coming into contact with nature, to providing environmental education, to the existence of a shelter for injured animals and also concerning the breeding rate of animals at risk of extinction. The level of suitability of the zoo was also evaluated, along with the quality of its facilities. More specifically, visitors were asked to provide answers concerning ease of access to the site and the existence of a parking area, the total size of the zoo, its landscaping, the available infrastructure, and the services and security offered to visitors. These answers could serve as the base for better management of the zoo.
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Keywords: Public zoo of Thessaloniki, frequency and duration of visits, quality of facilities, infrastructure, the animals’ living and hygiene conditions
Pages: 81-91
WSEAS Transactions on Environment and Development, ISSN / E-ISSN: 1790-5079 / 2224-3496, Volume 10, 2014, Art. #8