Analysis of the population's perception of the importance of zoos and animal trafficking

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the population's perception of the importance of zoos and animal trafficking. During the survey, 103 people responded to the questionnaire, so 86.4% had already visited the zoo, 87.4% said they had zoos in their city. However, 95.1% of people say that the existence of the institution in question is important and of these 91.3% say that they contribute to the conservation of species. Still, 88.3% of respondents reported that the zoo is a favorable environment for the practice of environmental education and 98.1% believe that it contributes to knowledge of the species. Finally, 78.6% of respondents believe that animals living in zoos receive the necessary care and 40.8% believe that these animals kept in captivity will not be able to return to nature. Regarding animal trafficking, 97.8% of respondents said that animal trafficking affects well-being; 69.9% of the interviewees answered that in their region there could be an illegal practice, with 80.4% believing in the positive participation of zoos in this activity and 97.8% of the interviewees answering that there is a veterinarian at the zoo. About 73.9% of the interviewees would call the competent body if they found a wild animal and 97.8% of the interviewees answered no in question if they are in favor of selling wild animals. It is concluded that most respondents are aware of the importance of zoos and animal trafficking.