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An October, 1 992 nationwide poll by the Roper Organization shows the public is in near 

 unanimous agreement (92%) that marine life parks play an important role in educating the public 

 about marine mammals and environmental conservation. Significantly for the cause of marine 

 mammal conservation, 86% feel if the public learns more about marine mammals, they are more 

 likely to become concerned about marine mammal conservation. 



The results of a 1992 Canadian poll paralleled the Roper survey. Eight often people 

 surveyed by Decima Research described their visit to an aquarium as educational. 



AZA and Alliance zoological parks and aquariums open to the public typically have 

 professional educators on staff. Exhibit graphics are designed in cooperation with these 

 professionals. Trained presenters answer the questions we know from experience our guests will 

 raise based on visitor research. Habitat themes are enhanced through interpretive graphics, 

 illustrated guidebooks, and narrated programs, to name a few. High tech computer simulations 

 and video presentations augment educational messages. Surveys and studies of structured 

 classroom groups back up the hypothesis that contact with live animals improves learning and 

 retention. Above and beyond models and preserved specimens, contact with live animals 

 improves attitudes towards them. Visitors to zoos and aquariums to see whales and dolphins 

 should be viewed as a "link in a chain of learning." 



Visitors to AZA and Alliance facilities begin learning the moment they enter. For many 

 people, visiting an AZA or Alliance facility is often their first and only experience with marine 

 mammals. This experience, coupled with the unique educational materials they see, instills in 

 visitors an awareness of ecological and conservation issues, not only about marine mammals, but 

 also about invertebrates, sharks, fish, turtles, birds, oceanography, coral reef ecology, endangered 

 species and more. 



At some facilities, graphics and narrated presentations are supplemented by 

 demonstrations in which a teacher discusses animal behavior while trainers help the animals 

 demonstrate the behavior. 



In addition to our programs for the general public, most AZA and Alliance members offer 

 specially designed educational programs prepared by experienced teachers. Programs are offered 

 for the blind, students who speak foreign languages, gifted students, preschoolers, autistic 

 children, and teachers and professors at the elementary, undergraduate and graduate levels, as 

 well as adults of all ages. 



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