We’re launching the Zoo Watch podcast to explore the bigger questions shaping the future of zoos—starting with San Francisco, but reaching far beyond. Our aim is to surface the research, ideas, and ethical debates that can inspire what comes next for animals in human care.
This episode is based on the 2025 research paper, "Zoos and other organisations with living world impacts should have honest policies" (ScienceDirect), which challenges many of the assumptions zoos have long relied on to justify their existence.
We break down key insights from the research:
Zoos often overstate their conservation role
Visitors increasingly prioritize animal welfare over entertainment
Zoo education doesn’t always lead to lasting impact
Research is undervalued and poorly shared
Transparency is expected, not optional
Public pressure drives real change
Zoos should focus on animals they can care for well
The future may lie in smaller, more ethical conservation centers
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Zoo Watch and Its Mission
00:56 The Complex World of Modern Zoos
02:49 Conservation Claims vs. Reality
05:51 Education: Learning vs. Entertainment
09:03 Research in Zoos: Impact and Limitations
11:54 Animal Welfare and Public Perception
14:58 The Future of Zoos: Balancing Ethics and Entertainment
Produced and narrated with AI technology, this episode makes complex research accessible—because real transparency, and better futures for animals, begin with understanding the truth.
