Zoo Field Trip -Destiny

Informal Institution- Santa Barbara Zoo

Exhibit signage example

      I have been to the zoo many times growing up. However, this trip was different. I was entering with the lens of an educator of an informal learning space. The exhibits are noninteractive for the safety of the animals and visitors. There are informational signs at each exhibit explaining the species and giving facts about the animal. For example, did you know there are 175 different species of poisonous dart frogs? When I was young I never looked at the signs, yet now that I am older, I appreciate the information they give. 

     My favorite exhibit is the elephant's enclosure because they are my favorite animal and in my opinion the most entertaining.  I enjoy sitting on the dock above the elephant houses to watch the zookeepers help and feed the elephants on the side. It makes the guest experience seem as if they get behind the scene access. 

Danielle feeding the giraffes 

     The floor staff was scarce today. Either it is a slow Tuesday morning or this is how it is all the time. In the actual zoo, there were facility workers on their golf carts and zookeepers in the actual exhibits. The only approachable staff were stationed in areas like the gift shop front area, pavilion, and the giraffe feeding deck.  I approached the desk in the pavilion to ask a question. I was not nervous to ask the question I just thought it was weird that I had never been in the pavilion before this even though it seemed to be an information desk. 

     I felt that learning in the zoo came from either the signs posted, personal observations, or feeding times.  Feeding times are a zookeepers information and question session about a specific animal. I did not stay for one of these scheduled times. 

RIP crooked neck giraffe

     In comparison to the MOXI size has to be factored in. The zoo is large and there cannot be staff everywhere so that is understandable since their facility is mostly walking and looking. At the MOXI however, our exhibits can be challenging and confusing because they are interactive with little explanation. Sparks are needed to help guests get going and feel comfortable.