US Survey: Marine Parks, Aquariums & Zoos Best Places for Children to Learn about Marine Mammals

According to an American survey conducted by Harris Interactive® and released by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums at the beginning of February, 97 percent of more than 1,000 adults agree that marine life parks, aquariums and zoos are of high significance for the education of children about marine mammals. The visit of an aquarium, for example, where children can see and experience live animals is the best way for kids to learn about marine mammals. The more or less direct contact with the animals enables children to discover creatures that they might not have the opportunity to see in the wild. 94 percent of those surveyed agree that children are more likely to be concerned about animals if they learn about them at marine life parks, aquariums and zoos, and that visiting these leisure facilities can inspire conservation action. Furthermore, the poll revealed that 89 percent agree that children learn more about marine mammals at an aquarium or zoo than in a school classroom. 88 percent of the participants even think that neither films nor TV programs can convey information about animals to children like marine parks do. (eap)