Enhancement of the Australian Adventure Exhibit at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo : an honors thesis (HONRS 499)

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Authors
Capriglione, Angela D.
Advisor
Lauer, Thomas E.
Issue Date
2004
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (B.?.)
Department
Honors College
Other Identifiers
Abstract

The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo is host to a multitude of educational programs and materials for teachers, home schoolers, group leaders, and other educators. The zoo prides itself in establishing and maintaining high educational standards, and specifically conforms to the Indiana Academic Standards for Science using simple field activities. This pedagogical intent does not come without effort, and the zoo is continually working to improve the transfer of knowledge to visitors of all ages, intellects, and interests.In 1987 the zoo opened a new Australian Adventure exhibit, which was deemed the crowning event of the year. Its popularity has remained strong for over 15 years with such animals as lorikeets (birds), dingoes, fish from the Great Barrier Reef, jellyfish and kangaroos. Unfortunately, these exhibits have developed a need for some enhancement, specifically in the area of education/information. However, zoo officials did not have design plans for these improvements, and because of time and money constraints, often skip the evaluation phase.The objective of this study was to provide the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo with a report outlining a plan for enhancements of the kangaroo yard, detailing verbiage and sign design. The information needed for the plan was obtained using visitor questionnaires/interviews, consultation with the zoo's education department, and industry guidelines.