Newswise — New research suggests that silently exploring zoos can foster an array of fresh encounters, fostering a deeper bond with animals and adding greater significance to visits.
Experts ran special silent events at Paignton and Bristol zoos as part of a wider project on the auditory culture of zoos.
Visitors displayed improved ability to concentrate, focus, and even engage in mindful observation of specific animals and their behaviors, occasionally fostering sentiments of closeness and connection with particular zoo inhabitants.
Conducted by Professor Tom Rice, Dr Alexander Badman-King, and Professor Sam Hurn from the University of Exeter, along with Dr Adam Reed from the University of St Andrews, the study was published in TRACE: Journal for Human-Animal Studies.
According to Professor Rice, participants perceived maintaining silence as both a deprivation, as they refrained from conversing with other humans, and a privilege due to its uncommon nature, which added an unexpected sense of seriousness and significance to their zoo visits. The act of silence aided their heightened attentiveness, enabling them to extract unique experiences that they may not have otherwise encountered.
In the 2019 visits, participants were given the freedom to explore the zoo at their own discretion, selecting their preferred routes and setting their own pace. However, they were strictly prohibited from engaging in verbal communication with others. Subsequent to the visits, the participants participated in focus groups to reflect and share their individual experiences.
The absence of verbal communication seemed to have an impact on the tempo of the visits. James and Clare noticed that they moved at a slower pace and allocated more time for contemplation and focused observation. Several participants also noted that the act of remaining silent appeared to create moments of physical stillness during their zoo exploration.
The combination of silence, a leisurely pace, and stillness evoked sensations of "stress relief," "tranquility," and even a sense of "peacefulness" among certain participants. Melanie expressed a profound sense of privilege, feeling honored to share the animals' environment, which made the experience feel unlike a typical zoo visit. Bridget, on the other hand, described it as a fantastic means of relieving stress.
Professor Rice highlighted that numerous participants conveyed a perception that their silence influenced the behavior of the observed zoo animals. Some participants noted that the animals appeared at ease in their presence, showing a greater willingness to approach them compared to louder visitors. Silence, as reported by certain visitors, seemed to establish a connection between themselves and the animals, creating points of mutual understanding.
Laura, similar to other younger participants, expressed that the prohibition of using a mobile phone during the silent zoo visit allowed her to fully immerse herself in the experience. She explained that having a silent environment prevented her from getting distracted by sending pictures or engaging with social media. By disconnecting from digital communication entirely and refraining from associating with others, Laura found it beneficial to focus her attention solely on the zoo and avoid the influence of social media's distractions.
The study indicates that silent visits have the potential to facilitate visitors in cultivating fresh perspectives on zoos and the animals within them. Additionally, it highlights that such silent experiences can aid researchers in envisioning future opportunities for the auditory aspects of zoos. By exploring the concept of silence within zoo settings, new insights and possibilities emerge for enhancing the overall zoo experience and creating a more enriched auditory culture.
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