Dr. Jessie Luna’s research on the Denver Zoo is part of a collaboration with international zoo scholars and practitioners to update the framework and tools for zoo design and evaluation. The team’s work, “The Zoo Sphere of Influence Model,” has been published by Biological Conservation.

ABSTRACT

In January 2023 we proposed the Zoo Sphere of Influence, a new model to represent the value of zoos/aquariums for species and society. This model set out to replace the 50-year-old perception of zoos/aquariums as fulfilling only the objectives of conservation, education, research, and recreation, and instead demonstrate the broad range of impacts zoos/aquariums have for species and society. The Zoo Sphere of Influence Model considers zoos/aquariums working at different scales (from local to international) and acknowledges a wide range of areas that they work. In addition to a visual representation of the value of zoos/aquariums, the initial paper proposed a proof-of-concept evaluation matrix that they could use to self-assess impact. Over a fifteen-month period, we trialled and developed the proposed model and assessment matrix through a global consultation and piloting process (this included piloting at 12 zoos, 5 international workshops/demos and a feedback survey that ran for 7 months). We have updated the model to include new sections on Indigenous Peoples & Local Communities (IP & LCs); Sustainability; and Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion (DEAI). We have additionally updated the assessment criteria to incorporate key zoo/aquarium documents and have added a Core Values section reflecting the fundamental standards conservation zoos/aquariums should be fulfilling. This paper presents the updated version of the Zoo Sphere of Influence. We hope that the model will help zoos/ aquariums achieve the highest possible standard of practice and provide a means of recognising and celebrating these achievements.