The African Rock Kopje Exhibit

Abstract

A six-month postoccupancy evaluation was conducted in order to assess the effectiveness of interpretive elements of the African Rock Kopje exhibit at the San Diego Zoo. Visitor observations were conducted and visitor surveys administered to test the cognitive and affective objectives associated with the exhibit. Data analysis indicated that an average of approximately 500 visitors per hour visited the kopje exhibit. For a subsample of 70 visitors, tracking data indicated the average length of stay in the exhibit was approximately 6.8 minutes. Overall, the visitors reported enjoying the exhibit. They were unable to answer cognitive questions about the exhibit if they had not read the interpretive signs. In total, 91% of the visitors looked at or read at least one panel, and 30% read 3 or more signs-more than previous studies have shown to be typical. A noteworthy 79% touched or used at least one interactive exhibit element. The interactive elements significantly helped cognitive recall when compared to information presented without interaction. There was a strong correlation between the length of time spent in the exhibit, the number of panels read, and the number of elements explored. However, an individual's level of education showed only a small correlation with the number of signs read. On the average, younger visitors were more likely to use the interpretive elements than to read panels, while older visitors were more likely to read the panels than to use the interactive elements.