This will be a live, virtual presentation on the Zoom platform. Your link to attend the meeting will be sent in a follow up confirmation email after you register. You do not need the Zoom application to participate.
Conversations on Conservation is a series that promotes science with solutions by sharing information about conservation research and initiatives and by connecting like-minded people who want to help make a difference. Join us for an inspirational online presentation:
Fostering Empathy for Wildlife (Online)
What does it mean to have empathy for wildlife and what role does empathy play in conservation? Empathy is a surprisingly complex concept and fostering empathy for animals is not as easy as you might suspect . . . especially when you’re talking about some of the ocean’s less “charismatic” creatures. Can you have empathy for a barnacle? (Spoiler: You can!)
Jim Wharton is the Director of Conservation Engagement and Learning at the Seattle Aquarium. The Aquarium and its partners have been leading the conversation around developing empathy for conservation outcomes. To date, the Aquarium has offered more than two dozen workshops for 60+ institutions with a combined annual attendance of over 70 million. These institutions are learning to think and talk about animals differently. Jim will be discussing what it means to have empathy for animals, why we empathize with some animals more easily than others, dive into the swampy domain of anthropomorphism, and discuss how institutions like the Seattle Aquarium are using empathy to save species. During this interactive and engaging presentation, we will also explore how fostering empathy for animals can teach us to be more empathetic with each other.
This virtual presentation is free for all participants!
Cincinnati Nature Center will run advertised programs and events in accordance with current guidelines outlined by the CDC and local health agencies. The status or format of programs may change based on COVID-19 best practices and conditions at the time of the program. In the event that Cincinnati Nature Center cancels a program, full refunds will be issued.