We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Can Anthropomorphism Help Save the Leadbeater's Possum.
- Authors
Skibins, Jeffrey C.; Smith, Amy M.; O'Brien, Jacquie
- 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.
- Subjects
AUSTRALIA; ANTHROPOMORPHISM; LEADBEATER'S possum; WILDLIFE conservation; ZOO visitors; ZOOS; ANIMAL ecology
- Publication
IZE Journal, 2015, Issue 51, p22
- ISSN
1040-5208
- Publication type
Article