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Understanding the education challenges of zoos and wildlife parks in 2026
What 31 UK zoo and wildlife attractions told us about the pressure to evidence conservation and education outcomes, and what it means for the people who turn conservation work into visitor understanding.
- Format
- PDF role briefing
- Reading time
- 10 minutes
- Published
- September 2026
- Author
- Bryan Hoare
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What’s inside
Seven challenges, the evidence behind each one, what good looks like, and questions for your next review.
01
Turning conservation into understanding
Reaching visitors beyond scheduled talks and booked school sessions.
02
Relevant and active learning
Moving from passive information to learning that fits each audience.
03
Inclusive learning and action
Making education accessible and connecting it with what visitors do next.
04
Evidencing outcomes
16 rely on programme reporting; only 10 use digital engagement metrics.
Who it’s for
Who should read
this report
Written for the people who turn conservation work into visitor understanding, and who need to evidence it.
- Heads of education and learning
- Interpretation managers
- Conservation engagement teams
- Schools programme leads
- Community programme leads
- Conservation directors