TY - JOUR
T1 - Chinese visitors' experiences of nature and wild macaques
T2 - inspiration and personal growth for living in Hong Kong
AU - Lee, Wing Naam
AU - Davey, Gareth John
PY - 2015
Y1 - 2015
N2 - Country parks offer urban residents the opportunity to experience wildlife, engage in environmental education, and socially bond with family and friends, but little is known about these experiences in China. Twenty-five interviews were conducted in 2012 to investigate the meanings Hong Kong residents visiting Kam Shan Country Park ascribed to social contact with wild rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). Findings revealed positive attitudes toward the macaques. A key message was a positive human relationship with the macaques that were valued by the visitors for enjoyment and emotional satisfaction. Participants reported human-macaque interaction nurtured personal growth, family and social ties, and children's education. Suggestions are offered to park managers and the government for managing human-macaque interaction in the park, such as animal management and education outreach programs.
AB - Country parks offer urban residents the opportunity to experience wildlife, engage in environmental education, and socially bond with family and friends, but little is known about these experiences in China. Twenty-five interviews were conducted in 2012 to investigate the meanings Hong Kong residents visiting Kam Shan Country Park ascribed to social contact with wild rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). Findings revealed positive attitudes toward the macaques. A key message was a positive human relationship with the macaques that were valued by the visitors for enjoyment and emotional satisfaction. Participants reported human-macaque interaction nurtured personal growth, family and social ties, and children's education. Suggestions are offered to park managers and the government for managing human-macaque interaction in the park, such as animal management and education outreach programs.
U2 - 10.1080/10871209.2015.1004468
DO - 10.1080/10871209.2015.1004468
M3 - Article
VL - 20
SP - 206
EP - 219
JO - Human Dimensions of Wildlife
JF - Human Dimensions of Wildlife
SN - 1087-1209
IS - 3
ER -