Resumen

MONCADA, José Alí et al. IMPLICACIONES PRÁCTICAS DE LAS PREFERENCIAS DE LOS VISITANTES DEL PARQUE ZOOLÓGICO CARICUAO. CARACAS. Investigación y Postgrado [online]. 2002, vol.17, n.1, pp.135-158. ISSN 1316-0087.

The objective of this study is to analyze the preferences of the Parque Zoologico Caricuao visitors towards animals, displays and activities in the park. Visitors' preferences were analyzed in order to suggest practical implications for suitable environmental education management within the park. Preferences were determined interviewing visitors and testing them using a pair photo test. Mammals and birds, as well as their displays were preferred by visitors regardless of the kind of enclosure where animals were. The selected activities were of the recreational type: contemplative and interactive experiences. Considering the animals' reactive characteristics and the fulfillment of the visitors' recreational needs would make more effective the environmental education programs at the zoo.

Palabras clave : visitors' preferences; environmental education; zoo management.