Researchers from the University of Warwick recently announced that the results of their latest study show how a trip to the zoo can boost a child's education in the areas of science and conservation more than books or classroom learning alone.

University researchers tested 3,000 children between the ages of 7 and 14 about their knowledge of conservation, animals and habitat before a trip to the ZSL London Zoo. After visiting the facility, these kids were tested again.

Participating children showed a 53 percent increase in educational or conservation knowledge as well as their desire to help protection efforts and their personal concern for endangered species upon returning from the zoo.

The children were also asked to draw their favorite animals before and after their visit to the zoo. According to university researchers, these pictures greatly improved. Using the knowledge they learned at the zoo, about 51 percent of students changed their drawings and were able to label terms like "canopy" and "rainforest" in their pictures.

Children who were given educational presentations by zoo staff saw further educational benefits, as these kids learned almost double what children who took self-guided tours learned.