INSIDE  2005 Volume 8 Issue 3 Visitor Studies Today As more natural environments are affected by development, zoos represent one type of urban open space that is increasingly recognized as a place for visitors to reconnect with nature (Clark 2000). Researchers have indicated that visitors generally attend zoos in groups to socialize, relax, learn about animals, see exotic animals, entertain and educate children, photograph nature, and enjoy the outdoors (Cheek 976; Martin and O’Reilly 982; Morgan and Hodgkinson 999; Wheeler 980; Wolf and Tymitz 979, 98). Architectural, animal, and visitor characteristics can have a significant influence on visitors’ perception of zoo exhibits (Bitgood, Patterson and Benefield 988; Johnston 998; Shettel- Neuber 988). In response to such findings, zoos have evolved to better accommodate the needs of visitors and animals. For example, third-generation exhibits, which display animals in settings that contain vegetation and land formations simulating the animal’s native habitat, have become extremely popular in zoos (Campbell 984). While these naturalistic exhibits tend to be more difficult to create and maintain, it has been suggested that visitors generally prefer these over more traditional animal enclosures as demonstrated by increased viewing time spent by visitors in these types of exhibits (Johnston 998; Shettel- Neuber 988). Zoo managers aspire to extend visitor viewing time in exhibits, increasing the opportunity for visitor education Articles Visitor Behavior in Zoo Exhibits with Underwater Viewing Stephanie Clark Ridgway, Margaret Livingston & Steven E. Smith .............. Museum Field Trips in Taiwan: Teachers’ Perceptions of Large Group Visits to a Science Museum Jui-Chen Yu ....................................... What is Museum Fatigue? Gareth Davey ....................................7 Understanding Graphic Maps at the Bronx Zoo John Fraser, Jessica Bicknell & Jessica Sickler ...................................22 Book Reviews Are We There Yet? Conversations about Best Practices in Science Exhibition Development Reviewed by Beth Redmond-Jones ....29 Museums and the Public Understanding of Science Conversations Reviewed by George E. Hein ............3 Columns Editor’s Exchange ................................2 VSA News 2006 Conference Call for Proposals... 34 Review of the VSA Nominating and Election Process ................................35 Membership Information ...................37 Visitor Behavior In Zoo Exhibits With Underwater Viewing Stephanie Clark Ridgway, Margaret Livingston and Steven E. Smith ABSTRACT This study employed visitor surveys and observations to assess the factors that significantly influence visitor behavior and viewing time in six zoo exhibits with underwater viewing. Our research revealed that visitor group type, size of underwater viewing windows, animal size, aquatic activity, and presence of infant animals had significant impacts on visitor behavior. We discuss implications for the planning and design of exhibits with underwater viewing. continued on page 3 2005 Volume 8 Issue 3