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Codes of Conduct at Zoos: A Case Study of the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

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  • David Fennell

    (Geography and Tourism Studies, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada)

  • Yulei Guo

    (Tourism Department, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu 610081, China)

Abstract

Zoos consistently implement codes of conduct in efforts to manage visitor behaviour. However, few studies have examined the use of the codes of conduct in zoos, even though they carry significant ethical implications regarding the relationship between humans and animals in society. This study provides an explorative investigation into the use of codes of conduct at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (Panda Base). Positioning the Panda Base as a place to negotiate the boundaries between humans and animals, this study surveyed visitors’ initial engagement with the Base’s code of conduct, their compliance with the code, and their assessment of the code. The findings point to a significant disparity between how visitors engage with and perceive the value of the code, which failed to prevent visitors from having close contact with animals at the Panda Base. We argue that Foucault’s philosophy on taboos in modern society can help us understand the ineffectiveness of the codes of conduct in zoos. However, Kant’s philosophy can orient human-animal interactions more ethically and provide an opportunity to consider the significance of codes of conduct in zoos. Suggestions for improving the effectiveness of codes of conduct at zoos are provided.

Suggested Citation

  • David Fennell & Yulei Guo, 2024. "Codes of Conduct at Zoos: A Case Study of the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding," Tourism and Hospitality, MDPI, vol. 5(1), pages 1-17, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jtourh:v:5:y:2024:i:1:p:7-111:d:1333822
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Betsy Stevens, 2008. "Corporate Ethical Codes: Effective Instruments For Influencing Behavior," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 78(4), pages 601-609, April.
    2. Muel Kaptein & Mark Schwartz, 2008. "The Effectiveness of Business Codes: A Critical Examination of Existing Studies and the Development of an Integrated Research Model," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 77(2), pages 111-127, January.
    3. Andrew Moss & Eric Jensen & Markus Gusset, 2014. "Zoo visits boost biodiversity literacy," Nature, Nature, vol. 508(7495), pages 186-186, April.
    4. Maira Babri & Bruce Davidson & Sven Helin, 2021. "An Updated Inquiry into the Study of Corporate Codes of Ethics: 2005–2016," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 168(1), pages 71-108, January.
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