LOOKING BEYOND THE CLAIMS
Wildlife conservation and animal welfare are often discussed through tradition, personal experience and deeply held beliefs. But what happens when we look beyond the claims and examine the evidence?
What Does the Science Say? explores peer-reviewed research and scientific literature addressing the lives of wild animals—in captivity and in the wild.
From animal welfare, behavior and cognition to conservation, human-animal interactions and the effects of captivity, each article takes a closer look at what researchers have discovered, what questions remain unanswered, and what the evidence can—and cannot—tell us.
Because meaningful conversations about wildlife should begin with evidence.
EXPLORE THE RESEARCH
Scientific evidence, explained and placed in context.
› When the Conservation Claim Outruns the Evidence
Ambassador animals, captive breeding and the gap between a memorable encounter and demonstrated conservation
› Animal–Visitor Interactions:
Where Do We Go from Here?
A September 2026 scientific commentary identifies important gaps in research on animal–visitor interactions.
› The Ambassador Animal Business
ZAA accredited Tanganyika Park's viral hippo story—and what its cited research actually establishes
› Individuals Matter
When Zoos Speak of Saving Species,
› Supporting Animal Protection Is Only The Beginning
A U.S. Survey Reveals Gaps in Knowledge of Exotic-Pet Rules
What Research Reveals About Animals, Tourists and Ethical Wildlife Encounters
AZA Connect article reports that moving reptiles held visitors’ attention longer than stationary presentations. But attention, education, empathy and conservation are not interchangeable outcomes.
› When Conservation Becomes A Flexible Label
What actually determines which animals zoos keep—and when does maintaining them become wildlife conservation?
› The Legal Philosophy Behind Zoos Confinement of Animals
› Program animal welfare:
A scoping review of animal interaction programs
and their welfare impact on zoo-housed animals.
› Do Ambassador Animals Actually
Improve Conservation Learning?
Posted August 2026
› Conservation or Collection?
What Determines Which Animals Live at the Zoo?
A new study offers a revealing look at conservation, collection planning and visitor appeal.
› Zoo Interaction Programs and Animal Welfare
A 22-Year Review Finds Significant Gaps in What Science Can Tell Us:
› Who Reviews What Happens At The Zoo?
When Research Involves Captive Wildlife, Who Decides What Is Ethical?
Conservation. Education. Recreation. Entertainment. What happens when those missions collide?
› The moral positions taken towards zoos and conservation
Does Seeing Wildlife Really Inspire Us To Protect It?
Not a Pet Until It's Part of the Show?
› Learning by Watching
The Science Behind the Messages We Send About Wildlife
› Education That Inspires Respect Without Sending Mixed Messages
› The Exotic Pet Trade – An Unnecessary Luxury
In Need Of Regulation
› The moral positions taken towards zoos and conservation
› Do Zoo Visitors Affect Animal Welfare?
› When Does Harm Begin?
Can We Protect an Endangered Species Without Protecting
What It Needs to Survive?
Rescinding the longstanding regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act.
› The Exotic Pet Trade Isn't Just an Animal Welfare Issue
› Fabricated AI animal videos are distorting how we see wildlife researchers warn
