Brookfield Zoo Project

Abstract

The Bog of Habits, a challenge within the Quest to Save the Earth exhibit at the Brookfield Zoo, is an interactive game that focuses on the impacts of daily environmental choices. This three-part study evaluates whether the Bog of Habits is an effective tool for promoting the adoption of environmentally responsible behaviors. A theoretical evaluation assessed the strengths of the exhibit based on environmental psychology and environmental education criteria. Two visitor surveys were conducted to determine whether there is a higher interest in increasing conservation behaviors immediately after playing the game and several months later. In addition, a small experiment regarding brochure pick-up was conducted at the Brookfield Zoo to measure visitors' actions regarding their environmental interest. Results suggest that the Bog of Habits is an effective method of conveying messages about environmental behaviors to visitors. A content analysis of the theoretical evaluators' comments indicates that the exhibit provides visitors with pertinent information about daily choices and fosters group discussions about the environment. Analysis of the surveys and brochure pick-up study show that visitors who visit the Bog of Habits initially reported and demonstrated higher levels of interest in environmentally responsible behaviors. However, the follow-up survey indicated that the interest wanes in the absence of repeated interventions. Nevertheless, it is encouraging that the results also show that the overall message of the Quest to Save the Earth - that daily choices can help the Earth - remains salient. These findings also include suggestions for those designing similar exhibits in non-formal education settings that strive to promote conservation behavior.