AE Grant Showcase 2025: Empathy-Led Experiences

This group of project presentations explored how intentional planning across pre-visit preparation, immersive experiences, and evaluation builds a rich visitor experience. Each project contributed insights into how tools, biofacts, tactile resources, evaluation frameworks, and immersive experiences can work together to create a lasting empathy-infused experience. Presenters shared insights into four key phases of empathy-led experiences: 

Preparation: Pre-visit classroom tools and social stories designed to reduce barriers and set the stage for meaningful connections. 

Participation: Hands-on, immersive outdoor programming that builds empathy through real-world experiences.  

Engagement: Using biofacts to deepen emotional connections and increase conservation action through interactive engagement.  

Reflection: Measuring outcomes and refining empathy practices using evaluation frameworks and community advisory boards. 

Projects and Presenters:  

• Seattle Aquarium: Empathy-Based Enrichment Tools for School Groups, presented by Paul Decker, School & Public Programs 

• Seattle Aquarium: Field Programs – Building Empathy for Marine Wildlife, presented by Darcie Larson, Interim Vice President, Conservation Engagement & Learning

• Minnesota Zoo: Increasing Empathy for Wildlife and Conservation Action through Biofacts Use, presented by Liz Gilles, Education Curator, Chris Ness, Biofact Coordinator, and Trinity Leiser, School and Early Childhood Specialist 

• Idaho Falls Zoo: A Model to Build Public Conservation Through Empathy in Adventure Island, presented by Bethanie West, Education Coordinator 

Hosted by the Advancing Empathy Grant Program & Woodland Park Zoo www.zoo.org/empathy