TDK conference 2025

The role of modern zoos has changed significantly in recent decades: in addition to free-time activity, conservation of species, nature conservation awareness-raising, and education now play a prominent role. The aim of our research was to examine how Hungarian society views the legitimacy and role of zoos, as well as the role of veterinarians in animal and nature conservation and education. We conducted the survey using an online questionnaire and a paper-based questionnaire for children attending primary schools and zoos, with a total of more than 600 participants. Based on the responses, the majority of respondents identified species conservation and nature conservation as the primary tasks of zoos, and 93.8% believe that zoos still have an important role to play today. We found a correlation between respondents' views on the legitimacy of zoos and whether they keep pets at home (p=0.040). There was a high level of interest in zoo education programs, especially among the younger generations (p=0,004) and further correlation was found between the question and the respondent's habits of visiting the zoo (p<0.001). The ring-tailed lemur proved to be a suitable flagship species for testing knowledge of nature conservation, but the respondents also showed gaps in their knowledge about the species. In this regard, we found correlations with, among other things, place of residence (p=0.025), age (p<0.001), and educational attainment (p=0.012). 86.1% of the research participants expect veterinarians to participate in education. Our findings highlight that both zoos and veterinarians play a key role in species conservation and nature conservation education in the eyes of society, there is further potential for developing educational activities and the role of veterinarians in shaping social awareness.