Mismatching perceptual modalities can be a disaster. For example, giving an auditory or visual learner a snake or cockroach to hold is probably not a wise move. Both the visitor and the organism will be uncomfortable. Parents and educators need to be good observers to identify the learning strengths of each individual. Recognizing the preferences of others helps us appreciate the diversity of learners and nurture the strengths of all.
Motivation is another critical variable that can facilitate learning in an informal setting.
If a visitor encounters an activity in a modality that is not a personal strength, interest in the subject can overcome any perceptual weakness. Feeding shrimp to a bat ray or fish to a seal is a unique and highly motivating experience, even for the auditory learner. Hearing that Colo, a lowland gorilla, would not return her keeper's keys for one orange but traded one key at a time for multiple oranges is an intriguing vignette that can inspire anyone to learn more about gorillas and other animals. Educators and parents need always to be on the lookout for interesting, motivational activities and tidbits. A key link between experience and learning is reflection, or thinking back on an experience.