Captive Research (Ex-situ)

Kea exhibits: the dynamics of Kea behaviour and signage on visitor interest (2007)

The Trust sponsored a 3rd year research project by Unitec, NZ student, Joanna Crawford on Kea exhibitis.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of two experimental sign treatments (one with a

kinaesthetic addition) on adult visitor interest at two Kea exhibits within the greater Auckland

region of New Zealand. Visitor interest in the accompanying signage was indirectly measured

by Attracting Power, Holding Time and Holding Power. The effect of Kea behaviour on

Power of the original signs accompanying Kea enclosures at the two zoological parks studied

was 30% and 33%. The Attracting Power of signage at the Kea enclosures increased to 55%

under sign treatment 1 and increased again to 73% under the kinaesthetic sign treatment 2. The

difference in Attracting Power between the two experimental sign treatments was significant

(P=0.0001). The mean Holding Time of the two experimental sign treatments was 25.36seconds

(treatment 1) and 26.08seconds (treatment 2). This was not significant (P=0.887). The Holding

Power of the sign treatments differed by only 1% and was less than a quarter of the average time

necessary to read all the text on the sign. The study shows that the addition of multi modal and

specifically kinaesthetic signage at Kea exhibits can increase at least one measure of visitor

interest, namely Attracting Power at the two zoological parks involved in the study. Further

order to receive a message in its entirety. In addition, there was no significant relationship seen

between Kea behaviour and visitor interest in the enclosure and by association their interest in

For full results of this research, please visit our Resources - Manuals and Papers page.