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Table 10.1 Definitions, uses and distinctive features of terms used to describe education events involving animals, as hosted by zoos.

Term Definition Uses Distinctive features
Presentation Demonstrations of animals The behaviours are typically These range from almost ad hoc presentations in which the animals
(or show, exhibiting natural behaviours (i.e. interpreted through some form of have considerable choice and flexibility in the behaviours displayed
display) those which may be performed educational commentary, delivered and the subsequent interpretation provided, to highly scripted
under natural, free‐living either by the animal trainers story‐telling productions. The key distinction between this and
conditions), trained to be themselves or by a separate other categories of animal demonstrations is that the behaviour(s)
performed on cue. interpreter/commentator. demonstrated can be considered part of the animals’ species‐
specific natural behaviour repertoire.
Performance These represent scenarios which Typically the behaviours are Wildlife theatre is a term being used with increasing frequency, and
include (at least some) unnatural incorporated into a series of events despite its name, is generally more aligned to our definition of
behaviours (i.e. those which would with the predominant focus on presentation, but the highly scripted and story‐telling nature of
not be performed under natural, entertainment. these theatre productions could also be described as performances.
free‐living conditions), trained to be However, the distinction must be made as to whether these
performed on cue, or natural theatre‐type productions are presentations or performances based
behaviours performed in an on the type of behaviours that the animals are asked to perform.
unnatural context. As per the Those including only natural behaviours would be termed
dictionary definition, ‘presentations’, whilst those incorporating at least one unnatural
‘performances’ may include comical behaviour would be termed a ‘performance’ for the purposes of this
activities, dancing, or the use of chapter. Wildlife theatre may also include alternatives to live
costumes, props or other types of animals such as puppetry and actors, as such these non‐animal
acting. productions would fall into the performance category. Other
author definitions may vary.
Encounter These events involve some form of The encounter may be indirect (e.g. Visitor–animal contact (or interactions) are the distinctive feature
contact (or interaction) between interaction through a barrier, as part of these events. Unlike the two previous categories, visitors will be
visitor and animal. As defined here, of a hand‐feeding activity, or being able to interact with the animal(s) at some point during the event.
these activities may also be called in close proximity to the animal An encounter may be included as part of a performance. Given that
‘interactions’. The animals involved without any barrier but whilst also interaction with humans could be considered an unnatural
in these encounters may be termed avoiding direct contact), or more behaviour, encounters would not be included as part of a
‘ambassadors’, ‘programme animals’, direct (e.g. physical contact between presentation, under this current definition. Our definition aligns
or ‘encounter animals’. the animal ranging from a short with that of Watters and Powell (2012), with one minor
touch (pat, kiss, stroke), to a more amendment. Previously ‘programme’ animals were defined as those
sustained interaction (e.g. walking which were involved in guest interactions outside of their enclosure
with the animal, having the animal (Watters and Powell 2012), whereas we include interactions
climb onto the visitor, or for occurring inside the animal’s enclosure in our definition of an
extended periods of patting or encounter. Other author definitions may vary.
stroking).

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