A trip to zoo 'can teach kids more than books'

Researchers at the University of Warwick have based their findings on an analysis of over 3,000 school children, aged between seven and 14, who are asked about their knowledge of animals, habitat and conservation, and then tested again after their trip to the London Zoo.

The findings revealed that 53 per cent had a positive change in educational or conservation-related knowledge areas, personal concern for endangered species or new empowerment to participate in conservation efforts.

The study proves that their trip around the zoo provided a statistically significant increase in scientific learning about animals and habitats.

 Eric Jensen, who led the study, said: “Globally, more than a tenth of the world’s population passes through zoos annually. The research clearly shows the valuable role that zoos can play in children’s learning.”