Resource Library
The ACE for Wildlife® Network Resource Library is intended to support peer-to-peer learning, knowledge sharing, and collaboration. Resources are provided by contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of, nor constitute endorsement by, the ACE for Wildlife Network. Users should independently evaluate the suitability and accuracy of any resource before relying upon it.
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This paper "reports on an evaluation of an empathy-focused Community of Practice (CoP) that engaged 15 regional early childhood professionals (including four zoo preschool staff) in the co-creation of empathy practices that are deepened through a ‘Two-Worlds’ (Indigenous and Western) approach.
This toolkit was created in 2024 to support empathy evaluation capacity-building among ACE for Wildlife Members and Affiliates.
This review examines empathy in relation with non-human animals, offers a multi-species definition for empathy, and identifies key components for empathy development.
A glossary of definitions that relate to the ACE for Wildlife Network and empathy related definitions.
Designed for animal care staff, this infographic contains a quick, easy to follow explanation - based on a real life example - of how and why effective empathy practices can work to make information "sticky" with guests.
These resources aim to provide a greater understanding of the sociocultural and historical dynamics in the U.S. that inform cultural narratives, perceptions of, and attitudes towards carnivores. It concludes with five recommendations for practitioners engaging audiences on the topic of human-wildlife conflict.
The Strategic Learning Committee coded the mission statements of the 27 ACE for Wildlife Network Partner Organizations in 2024 for effective empathy practices to demonstrate that empathy is mission aligned for many zoos and aquariums.
This primer tells you all you need to know about the ACE for Wildlife Network, the case for empathy, tools you can use to effectively infuse this work into your organization and examples of projects done by Partners.
This literature review, published as a part of the Empathy in Zoo and Aquariums Measurement Project, discusses the variety of ways in which empathy is defined and measured, identifies gaps in the literature and provides suggestions for aligning assessment tools.
A toolkit to help staff develop and implement effective empathy trainings and instill a culture of empathy at their zoos/aquariums.
This interpretation tool helps us demonstrate that animals are unique individuals, with preferences and habits worthy of our respect and care.
A one-stop-shop for evaluation tools and resources, both related to empathy and general evaluation.
This resource serves as a marker in time with regards to how Partner Organizations in the ACE for Wildlife™ Network are fostering empathy for wildlife in their social media posts.
These videos and accompanying script show what a brief interaction with a guest can look like when effective empathy practices are utilized (or not).
This review identifies drivers of exotic pet ownership and what role the zoo experience plays in influencing exotic pet ownership
Researchers administered questionnaires to determine the indicators zoo visitors use to determine the well-being of gorillas in a naturalistic zoo enclosure.
This study examines how the Network’s structured design and facilitation supported information-sharing and collaboration among participating zoos and aquariums.
This paper identifies five characterizations used by organizations when highlighting faceless marine animals on their websites. While in-person experiences may support empathy outcomes in visitors, the way these animals are discussed online may contribute to objectification of the animals, impacting conservation outcomes.
Developed in 2019, this survey was designed to measure how guests were perceiving changes in exhibit design after the opening of Zoo Boises's newest exhibit area.
Resource and tools for depicting animals with disabilities
This guide that supports biofact interpretation for Woodland Park Zoo's docent volunteers and that supports engaging conversations with young learners.
This is an inclusive classroom reflection & checklist to be used for curriculum that you are developing or revising.
This resource list reflects an initial step forward to make conservation initiatives throughout our Network more inclusive and well-rounded.
This study looked at whether using simple, narrative signs could help the public connect with these animals and develop more understanding attitudes toward people with disabilities.
Hear how different organizations are using empathy practices to inform their biofact-focused programming and evaluations.
This webinar highlights the literature review: Building Empathy for Wildlife Conservation in Zoos and Aquariums: What We Know and How to Use It.
Network Members share how their youth advocacy training, conservation nights, and pollinator gardens – all part of their conservation initiatives at their zoos.
This conversation explored how Network Members are working to increase access to the conservation field/zoo and aquarium careers by creating onramps for previously underserved communities.
The ACE for Wildlife® Network Resource Library is intended to support peer-to-peer learning, knowledge sharing, and collaboration. Contributors retain ownership of materials they submit but grant the ACE for Wildlife Network and its parent organization, Woodland Park Zoo, and Library users a non-exclusive license to access and use those materials for educational and professional purposes consistent with the Network’s mission. Contributors are responsible for ensuring they have the right to share submitted materials and that no confidential, proprietary, or restricted information is included. They also must comply with applicable ACE for Wildlife Network policies and guidelines, including the ACE for Wildlife Network Artificial Intelligence Usage Guidelines.
Resources are provided by contributors and do not necessarily reflect the views of, nor constitute endorsement by, the ACE for Wildlife Network. Users should independently evaluate the suitability and accuracy of any resource before relying upon it. The Network reserves the right to remove content at its discretion.
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