VISITOR PROFILE AND EVALUATION OF INFORMAL-EDUCATION AT JERSEY-ZOO

Questionnaires were used to assess the profile of visitors to the Jers ey Zoological Park through demographic data and to evaluate the effect iveness of informal educational media such as the guidebook, signs and keeper talks. Visitors were asked for their perceptions of the work o f the zoo, their personal experience of a visit and their evaluation o f the educational facilities offered, Public attitudes to wildlife con servation and the influence of Jersey Zoo were also assessed, A large proportion of visitors had a high level of education, belonged to one of the higher socio-economic groups and visited the zoo because of an interest in, and knowledge of, wildlife. Visitor satisfaction was gene rally very high, Keeper talks were the most popular and effective educ ational tool and the zoo was found to have a positive influence on vis itor attitudes tow ards conservation.