A SURVEY OF RESEARCH IN NORTH-AMERICAN ZOOS AND AQUARIUMS

To assess the current status of research in toes and aquariums, a 36-i tem survey, which replicated and expanded upon an earlier survey [Finl ay and Maple, 1986], was sent to 173 American Zoo and Aquarium Associa tion (AZA) institutions. A response rate of 71% was achieved after a s econd mailing. The results show that the role of research in AZA insti tutions has increased in the last decade. The percentage of toes and a quariums that report conducting research, that list research as an obj ective of the institution, and that have a research committee/ departm ent have all increased. The number of individuals involved in research per institution has approximately doubled since 1986, and slightly le ss than half of responding institutions currently have a full-time pos ition dedicated to administering research. Lack of available funds, ti me, and qualified personnel are the most common reasons reported for n ot conducting research. Zoo Biol 17:167-180, 1998. (C) 1998 Wiley-Liss , Inc.