ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the views of consumers who have visited a zoo or a similar captive animal attraction in 2016. Viewing animals in captivity and taking part in animal-based activities has become a regular part of many people's tourist experience. Indeed, Shani and Pizam suggest that tourists are unlikely to condone keeping animals in poor condition. The capture and keeping of animals is clearly not a new concept and has been prevalent throughout human history. The chapter investigates the appeal and fascination of animal-based attractions, the attitudes of tourists towards animal welfare within tourism. The educational and conservational influence of animal-based attractions on tourists, thus being able to suggest the potential role of these attractions. The majority of modern zoos now have five primary goals: animal welfare, conservation, education of the public, research and entertainment with natural enclosures enhancing visitor satisfaction. However, perceptions of enclosures can be deceiving for the average visitor.
