Zoos and aquariums and their role in education for sustainability in schools

Abstract

Zoos and aquariums in the United States host over 175 million visitors per year. In addition, zoos and aquariums conduct a significant amount of conservation education with school-based groups in in-school programs, electronic education outreach, and youth volunteer programs. Therefore, it is important to consider schools when assessing the impact of education for sustainability through zoos and aquariums. This chapter provides an overview of activities in zoos and aquariums focused on education for sustainability and explores what has worked and not worked in education for sustainability. This chapter describes the active role that zoos and aquariums play, providing educational services to schools and the public. Zoos and aquariums respond to global challenges as well as contribute to local education for sustainability.