Minority Perspective

It's a common cliché that people go into the zoo and aquarium field because they like animals more than they like people.  That cliché is often true.  I generally do.

There's a world of difference, however, between preferring to be around animals over people and not caring about people at all.  Many of the animal care professionals I know are very empathetic folks.  That said, our field has, in the past (and present) not always been as responsive or aware of the experiences of all members of our community.  We don't always do the best job of letting all voices be heard over the background noise of our profession.

I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce a new blog, The Minority Perspective, shared by the Minorities in Aquarium & Zoo Science.  This first piece is by Shannon Farmer, a Black zoo educator involved in conservation outreach.  I hope that some of the readers here will enjoy her outlook on the field, which will be different from mine based on different life experiences.  

Zoos and aquariums, I've always believed, are for everyone - people from all walks of life, all socio-economic statuses, all races and religions and sexes and gender identities.  All of those people, be they visitors or employees, will experience this incredible, animal-filled world of ours differently.  All of those people have voices worth hearing and stories worth sharing.

The Minority Perspective