Resource Library

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.

The ACE for Wildlife™ Network newsletter archives.

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.

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.

The Spanish version of the Empathy Wheel interpretive tool

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 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.

An introduction to the intersection of DEAI and empathy work through one person’s experience led by Ivel Gontan.

How do you start a DEAI committee at your zoo and aquarium? Network Members provide learnings and advice from their own experiences

A session to inform how to develop capacity by providing advice on how to look for funding, conduct prospect, research, and build relationships with funders

In this event, we discuss biofact reorganization projects as well as the nuances of using biofacts that come from animals who used to live at the zoo.

Hear from zoos about how they have infused empathy effective practices into some of their school programs.

In this learning group, we examined what it looks like to foster empathy for plants and how that fits into our larger conservation themes as zoos and aquariums.