Polly Doodson

• PhD Candidate at Hartpury University

This chapter considers the types of animal–visitor interactions (AVIs) offered by zoos in terms of the visitor experience. A number of variables are proposed that may be used to categorize AVIs from a visitor perspective. This includes a discussion on how each of these variables may affect the visitor experience, including which visitors choose to...

It is common for zoos in the UK to offer opportunities for visitors to interact with animals in the form of ‘Meet and Greet’ (M&G) experiences; which may include feeding, petting and posing for photographs. There is limited research investigating the impact of these experiences on the animals or people involved, particularly in terms of the message...

Animal-visitor interactions are common in captive-wildlife tourism settings, but there is a lack of research exploring what is on offer. This study defines and examines ‘Meet & Greet’ animal experiences in UK zoos within the context of the wider wildlife tourism industry, considering the differences between semi-contrived and fully-contrived intera...

One possible explanation for the widespread existence of cooperation in nature is that individuals cooperate to establish reputations and so benefit in future interactions with others. We consider a class of games in which individuals contribute to a common good at a cost to themselves. Population members vary in type, that is, in the cost paid for...