Pakistan Zoo Visitors’ Perceptions toward Zoos and Large Native Carnivores

A primary goal of zoos is to educate their visitors about global conservation efforts. Studying visitors’ perceptions and attitudes towards captive wild endangered species helps target messaging. This especially important in countries, such as Pakistan, where hunting human–wildlife conflict pose the greatest threats species. While there have been some studies Pakistan’s rural communities’ perceptions, few examined zoo visitors. We present data from exit surveys (n = 304) collected at three largest Pakistan (Lahore: an established zoo, Peshawar: a newly built Jungle Kingdom: theme park zoo). Zoo location was significant predictor for range attitudes, suggesting that way presents itself strongly impacts visitor perceptions. Perceptions learning were influenced by high biodiversity appreciation but low confidence knowledge animals. Support keeping animals captivity most likely when animal welfare perceived good amongst respondents who valued biodiversity. Zoo-goers, regardless location, demonstrated levels interest environmental concerns. However, visit motivator spending time with family friends.