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Challenges and successes to the implementation of a zoo conservation-education program

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  • Mellish, Sarah
  • Ryan, Jillian C.
  • McLeod, Emily M.
  • Tuckey, Michelle R.
  • Pearson, Elissa L.

Abstract

Zoo conservation-education programs have potential to address biodiversity loss, although evidence of their effectiveness to encourage social change is in its infancy. Moreover, how a program is implemented may influence program efficacy, yet there is little evidence of the factors that shape this process in zoos. Accordingly, through a process evaluation of Zoos Victoria’s ‘When Balloons Fly” (WBF) conservation-education program against marine debris, we identified barriers and enablers to the implementation of the program which can be addressed to improve future initiatives. Between April-May 2018, 24 Zoos Victoria professionals completed an online survey focussed on identifying challenges and successes in implementing WBF. Four participants additionally completed a follow-up telephone interview. Themes were identified and organised according to the model of diffusion in service organisations (Greenhalgh, Robert, Macfarlane, Bate, & Kyriakidou, 2004). Our results illuminate that features of the organisation (e.g., structure, culture) rather than features of individuals (e.g., skills, motivation) or characteristics of the conservation-education program itself (e.g., messaging), were most influential to implementation success. Based on these findings, attention to the organisational context is critical for promoting and evaluating the success of conservation-education programs and must be given significant attention alongside program characteristics and staff capability to deliver them.

Suggested Citation

  • Mellish, Sarah & Ryan, Jillian C. & McLeod, Emily M. & Tuckey, Michelle R. & Pearson, Elissa L., 2021. "Challenges and successes to the implementation of a zoo conservation-education program," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 88(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:epplan:v:88:y:2021:i:c:s0149718921000458
    DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2021.101950
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Carleton-Hug, Annelise & Hug, J. William, 2010. "Challenges and opportunities for evaluating environmental education programs," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 33(2), pages 159-164, May.
    2. Monroe, Martha C., 2010. "Challenges for environmental education evaluation," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 33(2), pages 194-196, May.
    3. Khalil, Kathayoon & Ardoin, Nicole M. & Wojcik, Deborah, 2017. "Social learning within a community of practice: Investigating interactions about evaluation among zoo education professionals," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 45-54.
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