Research shows that visitor presence and behaviour can significantly affect zoo animal welfare, with both positive and negative outcomes depending on species and context.
The relationship between zoo visitors and animal welfare is complex and species-dependent. For highly social species, visitor presence may provide novel stimuli that function as enrichment; for shy or easily disturbed species, visitor noise and movement elevate cortisol and reduce time spent in natural behaviour. Uncontrolled visitor behaviour — tapping on glass, shouting, attempting to interact with animals — causes acute stress. Good zoo design mitigates these effects through barrier distances, acoustic management, and off-exhibit retreat areas that animals can access voluntarily.