Institute for Conservation Medicine, Saint Louis Zoo, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America.
Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America.
PLoS One. 2020 Apr 17;15(4):e0231383. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0231383. eCollection 2020.
Zoological institutions often use immersive, naturalistic exhibits to create an inclusive atmosphere that is inviting for visitors while providing for the welfare of animals in their collections. In this study, we investigated physiological changes in salivary cortisol and blood pressure, as well as psychological changes among visitors before and after a walk through the River's Edge, an immersive, naturalistic exhibit at the Saint Louis Zoo. Study participants had a significant reduction in salivary cortisol and blood pressure after walking through the exhibit. Psychological assessments of mood found that most visitors felt happier, more energized, and less tense after the visit. Additionally, participants who spent more time in River's Edge, had visited River's Edge prior to the study, and had seen more exhibits at the Zoo prior to entering River's Edge experienced greater psychological and/or physiological benefits. We conclude that immersive, naturalistic exhibits in zoos can elicit positive changes in physiological and psychological measures of health and well-being and argue for a greater scientific focus on the role of zoos and other green spaces in human health.
动物学机构通常使用沉浸式、自然主义的展品来营造一种包容的氛围，既能吸引游客，又能照顾到收藏动物的福利。在这项研究中，我们调查了唾液皮质醇和血压的生理变化，以及圣路易斯动物园的沉浸式自然主义展品“河边”（River's Edge）前后游客的心理变化。研究参与者在穿过该展品后，唾液皮质醇和血压有明显下降。对情绪的心理评估发现，大多数游客在参观后感到更快乐、更有活力、不那么紧张。此外，在河边停留时间更长、在研究前曾参观过河边、在进入河边前曾参观过更多动物园展品的参与者，经历了更大的心理和/或生理获益。我们得出结论，动物园中的沉浸式、自然主义展品可以引起健康和幸福感的生理和心理测量的积极变化，并主张更加强调动物园和其他绿色空间在人类健康中的作用。
