Ogunjinmi, A.A., Oniya, B.J. and Oboh, B

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Different groups of people visit zoos and with various motives with a number of factors motivating them. There are several rules which ensure the safety of visitors within the zoological garden. This study was conducted to evaluate visitors’ characteristics, visit motivations as well as their awareness of safety rules and guidelines in three different zoos in Southwestern Nigeria. The zoos were University of Ibadan Zoological Garden, Oyo State, Prof. T.A. Afolayan Wildlife Sanctuary, Federal University of Technology, Akure and Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta Zoo Park, Abeokuta. Data were collected using structured questionnaire, which was employed to elicit information from visitors to the zoos. Two hundred (200) visitors were randomly selected from the pool of visitors to the zoos: 100 visitors from University of Ibadan Zoological Garden, 50 visitors from Prof. Afolayan Wildlife Sanctuary and 50 visitors from Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta Zoo Park. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and logistic regression analysis. The results indicated that most of the respondents were males and within the active age group of 21-40 years. The mean and median ages of the visitors were 26 and 24 years respectively. Most of the visitors were motivated to watch zoo animals, with primates being considered the favourite animal. Larger percentages (87%) of the visitors were aware of safety rules and regulations within the zoos. Significant differences existed in the profile of visitors based on education (p<0.05) and income (p<0.05). Furthermore, gender and income were significantly related to visitors’ awareness of safety rules in the zoos. It is therefore recommended that zoos adopt effective methods to continually sensitize the visitors and staff about the importance of complying with safety rules and regulations in the zoos. Key words: Motivation, safety, zoological garden, visitors, awareness