Zoos are popular places for people to visit and learn about animals.
But what if visitors were asked to keep silent during their zoo trips? How would that affect their experience and perception of the animals they see?
A new study by researchers from the University of Exeter and the University of St Andrews explored this question by conducting silent zoo tours at Paignton and Bristol zoos.
What are silent zoo tours and why do they matter?
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Silent zoo tours are events where visitors are not allowed to talk to each other or use their mobile phones while exploring the zoo, as per Phys.org.
They are part of a wider project on the auditory culture of zoos, which examines how sounds shape the interactions between humans and animals in zoos.
The researchers argue that silence can be a powerful tool for enhancing zoo visits, as it can generate a range of novel experiences and perspectives.
Silence can help visitors to focus, concentrate and even meditate on specific animals and their behavior, which may foster feelings of intimacy with and attachment to particular zoo animals.
Silence can also give zoo visits more gravitas, as it can create a sense of respect and reverence for the animals and their habitats.
The researchers conducted silent zoo tours at Paignton and Bristol zoos in 2019, involving 36 participants.
The participants were free to choose their own paths around the zoo and move at their own pace, but they were not allowed to talk to others.
After the tours, the participants took part in focus groups to discuss their experiences.
What did the participants say about silent zoo tours?
The participants reported a variety of experiences and emotions during the silent zoo tours.
Some said that silence helped them to pay more attention to the animals, their sounds, and their movements, as per News wise .
They said that they noticed more details and learned more about the animals than they would have otherwise.
Some said that silence made them feel more connected to the animals, as they felt that the animals were more comfortable with their presence and more willing to come close to them.
They said that silence created a sense of intimacy and empathy with some animals, as they could imagine what they were thinking or feeling.
Some said that silence gave their zoo visits more seriousness and significance, as they felt that they were honoring the animals and their space.
They said that silence made them more aware of the conservation issues facing the animals and their habitats, and more motivated to take action.
Some also said that silence was challenging or uncomfortable at times, as they felt isolated from other humans or unable to express their emotions or opinions.
They said that silence made them more conscious of their own thoughts and feelings, which could be positive or negative depending on their mood.
The researchers concluded that silent zoo tours can offer new ways of engaging with zoo animals and environments, which may have educational and conservation benefits.
They suggested that zoos could consider offering silent zoo tours as an option for visitors who want a different kind of experience.
