Most research on the use of animals in zoo interpretation focuses on visitor knowledge and attitude change, with little emphasis on the characteristics of the animals used as interpretive tools. A synthesis of research was conducted to: (a) identify the characteristics of animals used as teaching tools in zoo interpretation and (b) determine the usefulness of such information to zoo and other non-formal interpreters. Most research on the use of animals in zoo interpretation involved large, active, exotic animals. Few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of native, locally relevant species as interpretive tools. When used in zoo interpretation, native species have the potential to help educators address locally relevant conservation issues. However, more research is needed on the use of locally relevant species in interpretation. Information on the effectiveness of native, readily available species would be useful to interpreters lacking the resources of larger zoos and using injured or imprinted local wildlife in education.
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