It’s official…a visit to Blackpool Zoo is good for you!

As Mental Health Awareness Week shines a spotlight on the importance of wellbeing, new research from Blackpool Zoo and the University of Lancashire has revealed that a visit to the zoo can significantly improve how people feel mentally and emotionally and strengthen their connection to nature.

The study, which is entitled “Wildlife and Wellbeing: Investigating Visitor Experiences at a Zoo” was conducted by postgraduate student Rebecca Reynolds as part of her MSc in Child and Young People’s Mental Health, received ethical approval from the University’s Health Ethics Panel.

Between February and June 2025, 426 people, including visitors, zoo members and guests participating in animal encounters such as giraffe and capybara experiences, completed wellbeing questionnaires both before and after their visit. 

Questions were drawn from internationally recognised and validated wellbeing measures including the WHO-5 Wellbeing Index, the RSPB Connection to Nature scale and the University of Wales Mood Adjective Checklist and were designed to measure areas including calmness, happiness, stress levels, energy and connection to nature. 

The results showed that every single aspect of wellbeing had improved significantly by the end of the visit. Most notable improvements were seen in reduced stress-related thoughts, increased calmness, greater contentment, improved cheerfulness and heightened energy levels.  Researchers also found that visitors who felt peaceful around animals also reported a stronger connection to nature.

The study found that the benefits of visiting the zoo were consistent across all demographics. Visitors with ADHD and autism experienced the same positive effects as other participants, with several carers and parents describing the particularly calming impact of the zoo environment.

Alongside the quantitative data, 154 visitors provided written, qualitative feedback describing the emotional impact of their visit. One parent stated that their child, who lives with autism and ADHD, was “so calm” following an animal interaction experience.

Many described Blackpool Zoo as their “happy place,” saying they felt “calm and at peace” while walking around and that their worries felt “far away” by the end of the visit. Several people living with mental health difficulties also spoke about the comfort they found in connecting with specific animals, with one visitor writing that the orangutans “help me more than any human.”

The study supports increasing calls for green spaces and nature-based experiences to be recognised as part of wider public health strategies. Researchers say the findings position Blackpool Zoo as an underused setting for nature-based wellbeing support while also highlighting opportunities for partnerships between zoos, health providers, mental health charities and local authorities to improve access to initiatives for communities across the UK.

Rebecca Reynolds, who conducted the study as part of her MSc degree and is also the Head of Education, Conservation and Research at Blackpool Zoo, said: “This research shows that even an ordinary day at the zoo can have a meaningful impact on how people feel. Visitors left calmer and more connected to nature, and it was especially powerful to see these benefits reflected consistently across such a diverse demographic.

“The findings also showed how important emotional connections with animals and nature can be, with many visitors describing the zoo as a place where they felt peaceful and able to escape everyday worries.

“The research adds important weight to proposals that wellbeing should be formally recognised as a core aim of the modern zoo, alongside conservation, education and research. It also highlights the potential for zoos to partner with health providers, mental health charities and local authorities to expand access to nature-based support for communities across the country.

Darren Webster, Zoo Director at Blackpool Zoo, added: “We have always known that people feel something special when they spend time with animals, but this research provides powerful evidence of the real psychological benefits a zoo visit can bring.

“We are incredibly proud to support work that highlights the positive role zoos can play in people’s everyday lives and this study demonstrates that a visit to Blackpool Zoo can be far more than just a day out. For many people, it provides a sense of calm and connection that stays with them after they leave.

“As a modern zoo, conservation and education remain at the heart of everything we do, but this research shows the wider value zoos have within their communities. We hope these findings encourage more conversations around how nature, animals and accessible green spaces can support mental health across the UK.”

The research was designed to be accessible and inclusive, with study information available in formats including British Sign Language, large print and picture guides in line with Disability Discrimination Act requirements.