Beyond the Bars: What New Research Reveals About How We See Zoos
- Kenny Hills
- Jul 10
- 3 min read
How much do you really know about zoos—beyond what you’ve seen in documentaries or on your feed?
A new study from researchers Jordyn Truax and Jennifer Vonk asks a simple but powerful question: What happens to public opinion when people are given real information about what accredited zoos actually do? Unlike most previous studies that focused only on zoo visitors, this research took a broader and more important route—it looked at the general public. That’s critical because many people who never visit zoos are still forming strong opinions based on secondhand information, much of it shaped by emotional media stories.
Published in Anthrozoös (2025), the study included over 1,000 participants across three experiments. Each group was exposed to short readings about zoos: some focused on conservation work, others on accreditation standards or animal welfare laws, and some included individual animal stories.
The results were clear: people’s opinions of zoos improved significantly when they learned about conservation efforts—especially when those efforts were tied to real animals and success stories.
As the researchers put it, “providing the public with information regarding the positive work done by zoos, particularly with reference to specific individual animals, leads to more positive opinions of animal welfare efforts.”
From Judgment to Understanding
I used to be one of those people who saw all zoos as wrong—places that kept animals locked up for human amusement. It left a bad taste in my mouth. But as I started studying zoology through Oregon State Universities E-Campus, I have been learning more about the role of zoos in conservation, my perspective changed completely.
Many AZA-accredited zoos are deeply involved in protecting endangered species, conducting critical research, and running breeding and reintroduction programs that save animals from extinction. That doesn’t mean all zoos are good—there are definitely facilities that don’t prioritize animal welfare—but as with anything, one bad example shouldn’t speak for the entire field. There are bad sanctuaries, too. There are bad people in every industry. But accredited zoos are held to high standards and, in many cases, are essential partners in global conservation efforts.
California Zoos Making a Real-World Impact
Here in California, some of the most respected AZA-accredited zoos are doing exactly the kind of work Truax and Vonk’s study highlights:
Los Angeles Zoo recently broke its own record by hatching 17 California condor chicks in one breeding season—a huge win for one of the most endangered birds in North America. They also support local biodiversity through Project Pollinator, restoring habitats for monarch butterflies and other native species.
San Diego Zoo has long been a leader in global conservation, playing a major role in the California condor recovery and participating in breeding programs for rhinos, leopards, and Amur leopards, among others.
Fresno Chaffee Zoo actively participates in the AZA’s SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) initiative, supporting elephants, lions, and other vulnerable species through science-based population management.
Oakland Zoo is not only AZA-accredited but also a recognized leader in California wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. Their California Trail program connects visitors with native species like mountain lions, bears, and condors while also supporting field projects such as the Mountain Lion Project and wildlife crossings to prevent road fatalities.
San Francisco Zoo supports over 80 Species Survival Plans, including those for endangered snow leopards, black rhinos, and red pandas. The zoo also emphasizes conservation education and participates in local environmental partnerships to restore native habitats.
Media’s Power—and Its Pitfalls
It’s impossible to ignore how documentaries like Blackfish and Tiger King have influenced the way people think about animals in captivity. These stories raised valid concerns about unethical practices—but they also left many viewers with a blanket belief that all zoos are harmful.
Truax and Vonk’s research pushes back on that narrative. Their findings show that when people are presented with accurate, thoughtful information—especially about how zoos care for animals and contribute to conservation—those knee-jerk reactions can soften or even change entirely. It proves that education still matters. And it shows that not all captivity is created equal.
This research reshaped my own understanding—and I hope it challenges yours too.
Have your views on zoos changed over time?
Have you visited an AZA-accredited zoo that opened your eyes to conservation work?
Do you think zoos can play a meaningful role in protecting species?
Drop a comment below or tag a zoo that’s making a difference.
Let’s celebrate the places working hard to protect wildlife, educate communities, and inspire future conservationists.
Sources
Truax, J., & Vonk, J. (2025). Cages or Conservation? Providing Information Improves Public Perceptions of Zoos. Anthrozoös, 38(3), 453–472.