Enhancing animal care through digital tools: a challenge and hindrance perspective of technology adoption in a zoological institution

The adoption of digital technologies in zoological institutions is transforming animal care management. However, challenges persist in integrating mobile applications into daily workflows. This qualitative study examines technology adoption in a Southeast Asian zoological institution, focusing on a mobile application designed for animal care. Using the Technology-Organisation-Environment framework and the challenge-hindrance perspective, we conducted four focus group interviews with 21 users to explore the factors influencing adoption, including perceived usefulness, ease of use, organisational support, and environmental pressures. Findings reveal that while the Application enhances efficiency, collaboration, and animal welfare, fostering a challenge appraisal and voluntary adoption, barriers such as usability issues, security fatigue, and interoperability contribute to a hindrance appraisal and involuntary adoption. Organisational support, including onboarding, co-creation, and technical assistance, is crucial in mitigating the hindrance appraisal and resistance. The study contributes to a holistic adoption framework, offering practical insights for designing and implementing digital tools in specialised work environments, ultimately enhancing technology-driven wildlife management and conservation efforts.