As you wander through the zoo, you’ll hear chirping birds, roaring lions, playful monkeys, and an array of other animals. But have you ever wondered what goes through the minds of the animals at the zoo when they see humans? Visiting the zoo is undoubtedly an enjoyable experience for us. And some of us can’t help but wonder about the perspective of the animals in their enclosures. Do they perceive onlookers as fascinating beings, or perhaps they find humans peculiar?
A study conducted by animal behavior experts from Nottingham Trent University and Harper Adams University examined over 250 different species in zoos. They determined which animals enjoy our visits to the zoo and which ones don’t.
“Zoo visitors are often aspects of a zoo animal’s environment that animals cannot control and as such can be stressful, although some species appear to show good adaptability for the changing conditions of visitors,” said Dr. Samantha Ward, from Nottingham Trent University.
Top Animals That Love Seeing Humans At The Zoo
For the most part, their study revealed that the majority of animals in zoos don’t appear to be significantly affected by human presence. However, elephants are one of the top species that genuinely seemed to enjoy seeing us. According to the study, elephants displayed increased activity and appeared less bored when surrounded by large groups of people. Several other species were found to enjoy our company, including penguins, cheetahs, prairie dogs, cockatoos, grizzly bears, and polar bears. It seems that these animals find excitement in the presence of human visitors.
Which Animals Don’t Enjoy Seeing Humans At The Zoo?
Not all animals in zoos react positively to visitors. Marsupials, ostriches, and hedgehogs were found to be negatively affected by the presence of humans, as revealed by the study. It appears that these particular species may feel more comfortable or exhibit natural behaviors when they have less interaction with people.