Perception and attitude of tourists towards ecotourism development and conservation in Port Harcourt zoological garden, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

The study of the perception and attitude of tourists towards ecotourism development and conservation in Port Harcourt zoological garden was carried out in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Data were collected using open and closed ended questionnaires and interview to get detailed information from the respondents. A total of one hundred and twenty (120) copies of questionnaires were administered to the tourists that visited the zoological garden. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency and percentages and presented as tables and charts. The results revealed that the majority of the tourists (37.50%) have visited the zoological garden three times while the least number (5%) have visited five times or more. The frequency of visit showed that 37.50% of the respondents visited once in a month, 32.50% once in three months and 17.50% once in a week. The majority of the respondents (30%) visited with their family while the least number (10%) visited alone. Others (45%) visited to see animals, 30% to enjoy natural environment, 15% to enjoy the playground and 10% for project research. Gate fees according to a high percentage of the respondents (67.50%) was moderate while the least number of respondents (7.50%) was high. Most tourists (67.50%) were dissatisfied with facilities, 20% were satisfied and 12.50% were very dissatisfied. Also, 74.17% of the respondents said they will not visit the zoological garden again while 25.83% wanted to visit again. Majority of respondents (80%) said they would not recommend the garden to others while 20% were of the contrary. Most respondents (40%) revealed that inadequate facilities were the major challenges faced by the zoological garden while the least number (10%) stated that inadequate staff and visitors not complying with the zoological garden rules were the major challenges